A    ' 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


>u  liii   |2.2 

S?  HA   ■" 

II        !!f  IA&   12.0 
I.I         !!  i^ 


M 


1  liSS  IllJii  u^ 

«l 

6"    

► 

PhotogFaphic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


^ 


4^ 


^ 


^^ 


^ 


^. 


*^. 


^. 


33  WltY  MAIN  ITRIIT 
WIUTIN.N.V,  t4IM 

(7U)i;i-4IOI 


4^ 


\ 


<\ 


<\ 


CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHIVI/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Inttituta  for  HIatorlcal  Miororaproductloni  /  Inttltut  Canadian  da  microraproduotiona  hiatorlquaa 


Tachnieal  and  Bibliographic  Notaa/Notas  tauhniquaa  at  bibliographiquaa 


Tlia  Instituta  haa  attamptad  to  obtain  tha  baat 
original  copy  availabia  for  filming.  Paaturaa  of  thia 
copy  which  may  ba  bibliographioaily  unlqua. 
which  may  altar  any  of  tha  imagaa  in  tha 
raproduction.  or  which  may  aigniflcantly  changa 
tha  uaual  mathod  of  filming,  ara  ehackad  balow. 


□   Colourad  covara/ 
Couvartura  da  coulour 


p~|   Covara  damagad/ 


Couvartura  andommagAa 


□   Covara  raatorad  and/or  laminatad/ 
Couvartura  raataurta  at/ou  palliculAa 


D 
D 
D 
D 
D 
D 


D 


0 


Covar  titia  miaaing/ 

La  titra  da  couvartura  man(;ua 

Colourad  mapa/ 

Cartaa  gAographiquaa  un  coulaur 

Colourad  ink  (i.a.  othar  than  blua  or  black)/ 
inora  da  coulaur  (i.a.  autra  qua  blaua  ou  noiro) 

Colourad  plataa  and/or  illuatrationa/ 
Planohaa  at/ou  illuatrationa  wn  coulaur 

Bound  with  othar  matarial/ 
RalM  avac  d'autraa  doeumanta 

Tight  binding  may  cauaa  ahadowa  or  diatortion 
along  intarior  margin/ 

La  r9  liura  ••rrt9  paut  cauaar  da  i'ombra  ou  da  la 
diatoraion  la  long  da  la  marga  intiriaura 

Blank  laavaa  addad  during  raatoration  may 
appaar  within  tha  taxt.  Whanavar  poaaibia,  thaaa 
hava  baan  omittad  from  filming/ 
II  aa  paut  qua  eartainaa  pagaa  blanchaa  ajeuttftaa 
lora  d'una  raatauration  apparaiaaant  dana  la  taMta. 
mala,  ioraqua  caia  Atait  poaaibia.  oaa  pagaa  n'ont 
paa  «t«  fllmAaa. 


L'Inatitut  a  microfilm*  la  maiilaur  axamplaira 
qu'il  lui  a  M  poaaibia  da  aa  procurer.  Las  dAtaila 
da  cat  axamplaira  qui  aont  paut-Atra  uniquaa  du 
point  da  vua  bibliographiqua.  qui  pauvant  modifiar 
una  imaga  raproduita,  ou  qui  pauvant  axigar  una 
modification  dans  la  m4thoda  nor  mala  da  filmaga 
aont  indiqute  ci-daasous. 


r~*1  Colourad  pagaa/ 


Pagaa  da  coulaur 

Pagaa  damagad/ 
Pagaa  andommagAaa 


Thacc 
to  tha 


0 


Pagaa  raatorad  and/or  laminatad/ 
Pagaa  raataur*as  at/ou  palliculAas 

Pagaa  discolourad,  stainad  or  foxad/ 
Pagaa  dAcolorias,  tachatias  ou  piquias 


rn   Pagaa  datachad/ 


Pagas  d^tachias 

Showthrough/ 
Tranaparanca 

Quality  of  pr\r 

Qualiti  inigaia  da  I'imprassion 

Includes  supplementary  matarii 
Comprend  du  matiriai  suppl4mentaire 


[^   Showthrough/ 

rn   Quality  of  print  variaa/ 

|~~|   Includes  supplementary  material/ 


Thainr 
poaaib 
of  tha 
fiiminf 


Origini 
baginn 
tha  laa 
aion,  ( 
othar 
firat  pi 
aion. 
or  illua 


D 
D 


Only  edition  available/ 
Seule  Edition  disponible 

Pagaa  wholly  or  partially  obscured  by  errata 
slips,  tissuaa,  etc..  hava  been  ref limed  to 
enaura  tha  bast  possible  image/ 
Lea  pages  totalement  ou  partiallement 
obaourcias  per  un  feulilet  d'errata,  una  pelure. 
etc..  ont  M  filmAes  i  nouveau  da  fa^on  A 
obtanir  la  mailleure  imaga  possible. 


The  laa 
ahall  c< 
TINUEI 
whicha 

Maps. 

diffarar 

entirely 

baglnni 

right  ar 

raqulra( 

mathod 


Additional  rommants:/ 
Commantairea  supplAmantairas; 


Wrinkisd  psQM  msy  film  lilflhtiy  out  of  fooui. 


This  Item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 

Co  document  est  fllmA  au  taux  de  rAduction  indiquA  ol-dessous. 

10X  14X  1IX  22X 


MX 


mn 


J 

12X 


ItX 


DX 


MX 


MX 


32X 


• 

ktails 
•  du 

lodificr 
r  una 
Imaga 


Tha  copy  fllmad  hara  haa  baan  raproduead  thanka 
to  tha  ganaroaity  of: 

Douglaa  Library 
Quaan'a  Univaraity 

Tha  imagaa  appaaring  hara  ara  tha  baat  quality 
poaalbia  oonaldaring  tha  condition  and  lagibility 
of  tha  original  copy  and  in  kaaping  with  tha 
filming  contract  apacificationa. 


Original  coplaa  In  printad  papar  covara  ara  fllmad 
baglnning  with  tha  front  cover  and  anding  on 
tha  laat  paga  with  a  printad  or  llluatratad  impraa' 
aion.  or  tha  back  cover  whan  approprlata.  All 
othar  original  coplaa  ara  fllmad  beginning  on  tha 
f  Irat  paga  with  a  printad  or  llluatratad  impraa- 
aion,  and  anding  on  tha  laat  paga  with  a  printad 
or  llluatratad  impraaaion. 


L'axamplaira  flimA  fut  raproduit  grica  A  la 
gAnAroaitA  da: 

Douglaa  Library 
Quaan'a  Univaraity 

Laa  Imagaa  auivantaa  ont  AtA  raprodultaa  avac  la 
plua  grand  aoln,  compta  tanu  da  la  condition  at 
da  la  nattatA  da  l'axamplaira  film*,  at  an 
conformitA  avac  laa  condltiona  du  contrat  da 
flimaga.      -';^  -. 

Laa  axamplairaa  orlglnaux  dont  la  couvartura  an 
paplar  aat  imprimte  aont  filmia  an  commandant 
par  la  pramiar  plat  at  an  tarmlnant  aolt  par  la 
darnlAra  paga  qui  comporta  una  ampralnta 
d'impraaalon  ou  d'iiiuatratlon,  aolt  par  la  aacond 
plat,  aalon  la  caa.  Toua  laa  autraa  axamplairaa 
orlglnaux  aont  fiimAa  an  commandant  par  la 
pramlAra  paga  qui  comporta  una  ampralnta 
d'impraaalon  ou  d'iiiuatratlon  at  an  tarmlnant  par 
la  darnlAra  paga  qui  comporta  una  talla 
ampralnta. 


Tha  laat  racordad  frama  on  aach  microflcha 
ahail  contain  tha  aymbol  ^^'  (moaning  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  tha  aymbol  ▼  (meaning  "END'i. 
whichever  eppiiee. 


Un  dea  aymboiaa  auivanta  apperaltra  aur  la 
dernlAre  Imege  de  cheque  microfiche,  aalon  la 
caa:  la  aymboia  ^  aignifia  "A  8UIVRE  ",  la 
aymboia  ▼  aignifia  "PIN". 


Maps,  piatea,  cherta,  etc.,  mey  be  filmed  et 
different  reduction  ratloa.  Thoae  too  lerge  to  be 
entirely  included  in  one  expoaure  ere  filmed 
beginning  In  the  upper  left  hend  corner,  left  to 
right  end  top  to  bottom,  ee  meny  framea  aa 
required.  The  following  diagreme  iliuatrete  the 
method: 


Lee  certea,  pianchea,  tableeux,  etc.,  iieuvent  Atre 
filmAa  i  dee  taux  de  reduction  diffArenta. 
Loraque  la  document  eat  trop  grand  pour  Atre 
repiodult  en  un  aeul  cllchA,  II  eat  flimA  A  partir 
de  I'engle  aupArleur  geuche,  de  gauche  A  drolte, 
et  de  heut  en  bee,  en  prenent  le  nombre 
d'imegea  nAceaaalre.  Lee  diegremmea  auivanta 
iiluatrent  le  mAthode. 


rrata 
Ito 


palura, 
>  A 


3 

32X 


1 

2 

3 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

FI 


CLOSI 


FU] 


t  *  *   ^ 


HISTORY 

# 


UNITED    STATES, 


FROM  TBBIB 


FIRST  SETTLEMENT  AS  COLONIES, 


TO   TBI 


CLOSE  OF  THE  WAR  WITH  GREAT  MlTAITjf 

IN  ldl6. 


*.'■  ''4 


r' 


'•«. 


••  ClviUi^  inoradibUa  oitnomtu  mi,  adtpti  litMHaM,  quantum  bi«fl  •!•«»< 


NEW-YORKj 

PUBLISHED  BY  COLLINS  AND  HANNAY^ 
No.  ISO  Pearl-ttreet. 

18M. 


A.C-  ■■  ^■=k44:.i  :t'  k'»%:'Jt 


\-  ' 


;irS^'' 


I :: ..  J 


f Miikffii  INMrJet  <tf  JV«w  ForJI,  M. 

BE  IT  REMEMBERBD,  Tbat  on  ktaa  SM  dur  of  Aanut  in  the  SOth  TCU  of  Un 
Independraee  of  the  United  StatM  of  Amerlcn,  CharlM  Wiley,  of  the  Mid  Dietrict, 
hath  dtpoalted  in  thia  ofllee  the  title  of  a  Book  the  right  whereof  he  elaima  aa  proprietor, 
in  the  vfrordi  fbllowing,  to  wit : 

Hiatorjr  pf  the  United  Statoa,  fhun  their  Fint  Settlement  aa  Oeloniea,  to  the  CInae  of 
the  War  with  Great  Britain,  in  1815. 

*'  OlvltM,  ineredlblle  memoratu  eit,  adepta  libertate,  quantum  brevi  rreverit/'—  - 
$aUu»t. 

In  eonfbrmlty  to  the  Act  of  the  Oonfreae  of  the  United  Btataa,  entitled  **  An  Act  for 
tlie  eneouragement  of  Learning,  by  aecurtnK  the  eoptee  of  Mapa,  Charti,  and  Books,  tu 
tba  authora  and  prourietori  of  aueh  eonlea,  during  the  time  therein  mentioned."  And 
•iBO  to  an  Act,  entitled  "  An  Aet,  eupplementary  to  an  Act,  entitled  an  Act  for  the  en- 
couragament  of  Leaming,  by  aeouring  the  copies  of  Mapa,  Charts,  and  Booka,  to  the 
authora  and  proprietora  of  such  copies,  during  the  times  therein  mentioned,  and  aztend- 
lif  the  baneBta  thereof  to  the  arts  of  deaigning,  engraving,  and  etching  matorieal  and 
otmiipKats." 

JAMES  DILL,  Cttrk  if  tk$  Stuthtm  DMHtt  if  JVVio-  Terk, 


■»-»''1"t'  f'S-H!'' 


v;V 


'.:^'S^y 'i^'TV>!- 


'     n*..  -'I,   ' 


';■  -      ^''^    i     s 


to*  *.' 


•    1  ■>,-■      ■     ' 


'--■  iVi 


I  rear  or  Ui« 

ud  DIttriet, 
w  proprietor, 

the  Clow  of 

Toverit."— 

'  An  Aet  (in 
Id  Booki,  to 
ned."  And 
for  the  on- 
Mlu,  to  the 
ind  eztend- 
itorieal  «nd 


■■i 


At  a  meeting  of  the  American  Academy  of  Language  and  Belles 
Lettrev,  held  at  the  Gity-Hall,  in  the  city  of  New-York,  October  80, 
1S30, — Hon.  Brocfcholst  Livingston,  l^int  Vice-President,  in  the 
chair ;  Rev.  John  B.  Romeyn,  D.  D.  Cleik^-^the  folloiving  preamble 
and  resolution,  offered  by  W.  S.  Cardell,  Esq.  seconded  by  the  Rev. 
Doctor  Wainwright,  were  unanimously  adopted: 

As  the  proper  education  of  youth  is,  in  all  communities  closely 
connected  with  national  prosperity  and  honor;  and  as  it  is  particularly 
important  in  the  United  States,  that  the  rising  generation  should 
possess  a  correct  knowledge  of  their  own  country,  and  a  patriotic 
attachment  to  its  welfare ; — 

Retolved,  that  a  priemium  of  not  less  than  four  hundred  dollars, 
and  a  gold  medtd  worth  fifly  dollars,  be  given  to  the  author,  being  an 
American  citizen,  who,  within  two  years,  shall  produce  the  best 
written  history  of  the  United  States,  and  which,  with  such  history, 
shall  contain  a  suitable  exposition  of  the  situation,  character,  and  in- 
terests, absolute  and  relative,  of  the  American  Republic:  calculated 
for  a  class-book  in  academies  and  schools.  This  work  is  to  be  exr 
amined  and  approved  by  a  committee  of  the  institution,  in  refbrence 
to  the  interest  of  its  matter,  the  justness  of  its  facts  and  principles,  the 
purity,  perspicuity,  and  elegance  of  its  style,  and  its  adaptation  to  its 
intended  purpose. 

By  order  of  the  Academy, 
4  ALEX.  Mo  LEOD,  BM*g  Seo'ry. 

The  undersigned,  being  appointed  a  committee  with  Aitl  powers 
to  examine  the  several  works  submitted,  and  award  the  medal  and 
premium  in  pursuance  of  the  above  resolution,  having  perused  four 
books  offered  by  different  authors,  according  to  the  conditions  require 
ed,  have  selected  one  as  being  the  best  of  the  four;  and  after  referring 
it  to  its  author  for  such  minor  corrections  as  might  render  it  more 
acceptable  to  the  public,  do  now  finally  adjudge  said  medal  uid  pre- 
mium to  be  due  to  the  writer  of  the  work  i^cently  printed,  entitled, 

**A  History  of  the  United  States,  from  their  first 
Settlement  as  Colonies,  to  the  close  of  the  War  with 
GreatBritain,  in  18i5.       •  >  > 

*'  Olvttu,  iBoredlblle  mwnorttu  eit,  adepts  Uberute,  qutntum  biovl  ortverit."— 
talhit. 

Wm.  p.  Vak  Nbss,  ) 

ALnxn.  Mo  Laon,  V  CmmmtlH. 
Jacob  Mortow,       ) 


815  "f  30 


CONTENTS, 


Page 
Introdttction      '-••.--••••.         5 

History  of  Virginia        -     •     «     •*     •     •     .     •     -  |5 

Massiachusetts         -     -     •     1     -     •     .     ...  35 

New-Hampshire      --     •     •     .     .     ..     .      .  53 

Connecticut       -«.     ••......  5^ 

Rlu)de  Island     -     -•     >•     ....     .     .     .  62 

New-Yoirk         -     --     -     -     -•     .     -     -     -  64 

New-Jersey       -     -     -     -     -     -     •     -     -     -     -  78 

Delaware          .•..•^...•.  82 

Pennsylvania     ...........  83 

Maryland          --•••--..--  87 

Nordk-Carolina        ..........  90 

South-Carolina         ..........  94 

Georgia            ...........  99 

French  War  of  1766-63        -     -     -     -     -     -     -     -      103 

Revolution         .-.--...■^.     -      .      us 
Revolution        .--.---.-*-      130 
Expedition  against  Canada    .---.-..      149 
Campaign  of  1776  .........153 

Campaign  of  1777  -..-...-.      167 

Campaign  of  1778  - 176 

Campaign  of  1779  .........      I8I 

Campaign  of  1780  . 186 

Campaign  of  1781,  and  termination  of  the  War     -      -      -      192 
Adoption  of  the  Constitution,  and  Washington's  Administration  SOS 
Mr.  Adams's,  Mr.  Jefferson's,  and  part  of  Mr.  Madison's  Ad- 
ministration—Declaration  of  War         230 

Campaign  of  1812  ---285 

Campaign  of  1818 241 

Campaignof  1814— Conclusion  of  the  War     ....      252 
Appendix    ------ -265 


PREFACE. 


^H««* 


THE  foUowing  work  was  begun  many  years  since :  the  ap- 
pearance, soon  after,  of  several  books,  on  apian  nearly  •imUar, 
and  the  want  of  sufficient  leisure,  induced  the  Author  to  relin- 
quish his  undertaking.  Perceiving,  from  the  subsequent  offer  of 
a  premium  for  the  best  written  work  of  the  kind,  that  another  was 
wanted,  he  resumed  and  completed  his  undertaking. 

It  was  his  purpose  to  present  a  correct  and  interesting  narra- 
tive of  all  the  important  events  in  the' history  of  his  conirtry :  to 
exhibit,  in  a  strong  light,  the  principles  of  political  and  religious 
freedom  which  our  forefathers  pr'ofessed,  and  for  wUch  they 
fought  and  conquered ;  to  record  the  numerous  examples  of  for^ 
titude,  courage,  and  patriotism,  which  have  rendered  them  iUus- 
trious ;  and  to  produce,  not  so  much  by  moral  rejections,  as  by 
the  tenor  of  the  narrative,  virtuous  and  patriotic  impressions 
upon  the  mind  of  the  reader.  It  was  his  aim  to  render  the  bocV 
worthy  to  be  read,  not  only  in  iiJMi  academies  and  schools  of  k..^t 
country,  but  by  that  very  numerous  portion  of  his  fellow  citisens, 
who  have  seldom  the  opportunity  to  peruse  more  voluminous 
productions ;  and  by  those  who  might  wish  to  review  their 
studies,  and  fix  in  their  memory  the  succession  of  events :  and 
it  was  also  his  aim  to  exhibit  a  style  which  should  be  correct 
and  pure ;  should  be  free  from  ambitious  ornament,  and  Arom 
those  faults  with  which  the  writers  of  this  country  have  been 
too  juntby  charged.  He  by  no  means  supposes  that  he  has 
accomplished  all  he  idmed  at. 

It  was  thought  indispensable  that  a  history,  hitended  to  be  ac- 
cessible to  all,  should  contain  some  account  of  the  different 
states  of  the  union ;  in  order  that  many  prejudices,  the  offiqpring 
of  ignorance,  might  be  removed ;  and  that  the  ii^jurlous  effects. 


IV 


PREFACE. 


which  must  flow  from  an  acquauntanee  with  the  history  of  ft 
single  state  onlji  might  be  avoided.  It  was  the  correct  remaric 
of  an  able  writer)  that  the  lustory  of  colonies  generally  affords 
but  two  interesUng  erai,  tint  of  their  settlement,  and  that  of  then* 
independence.  To  both  of  these  the  author  has  more  particu- 
larly directed  his  attention. 

Let  those  who  imagine  that  no  book  can  do  good  that  is  not  a 
great  book,  consider  that  every  American  should  be  acquainted 
with  the  history  of  his  country,  and  that  a  voluminous  histoiy 
would  not  be  read  by  one  twentieth  part  of  the  population ;  that, 
on  most  minds,  tiie  same  or  even  stronger  impressions  would  be 
made  by  a  woric  well  written  on  the  plan  of  tiiis,  than  by  a  min< 
ute,  and  of  course  often  tedious,  detail  of  every  event ;  that  the 
perusal  of  such  a  work,  in  early  life,  must  excite  rather  than 
gratify  cttriosi^ ;  that  much,' very  much  good  would  be  done, 
should  a  knowledg(e  of  the  important  events  be  communicated, 
and  correct  impressions  be  given,  to  those  who  would  otherwise 
renuJn  entirely  ignorant :  and  that,  in  fact,  this  book  contsdn6 
more  than  many  an  octavo  of  high  price. 

But  while  it  is  important  that  no  American  citizen  should  b6 
Ignorant  of  the  principal  events  in  the  history  of  his  country, - 
it  is  the  indispensible  duty  of  all,  who  can  enjoy  the  opportu- 
nity, to  read  and  to  study  the  lai^r  and  more  particular  histories '^ 
which  have  been  published.  There  is  littie  danger  that  this  small 
and  favored  class  yriH  neglect  this  duty.  The  danger  is  great- 
er, that  much  the  most  numerous  portion  of  the  population-— 
that  portion  in  whose  hands  are  the  destinies  of  the  republic—- 
would  read  nothing  on  the  subject  should  expensive  worics  only 
be  published* 


HISTORY 


OV  TBB 


UNITED    STATES 


INTRODUCTION. 


THE  continent  of  America  was  probably  unknonvn  to  the 
ancients.  If  onoe  known,  as  some  Imve  supposed,  to  the  Car- 
thagfa^ans,  the  Scandinavians^  and  the  Welsh,  all  knowledge  of 
it  was  afterwards  lost.  The  discovery  of  this  extensive  region, 
constituting  nearly  one  half  of  the  habitable  globe,  was  the  acci- 
dental resmt  of  the  attempts,  made  -in  the  fifteenth  century,  to 
find  a  passage,  by  sea,  from  the  ports  of  Europe  to  the  East 
Indies,  whose  precious  commodities  were  then  transported,  over 
land,  by  a  long,  dangerous,  and  expensive  route. 

2.  This  passage  was  universally  sought  by  ssdling  south,'a]ong 
the  western  coasts  of  Europe  and  Africa,  in  the  hope  of  find- 
ing the  termination  of  the  continent,  when  the  Indies,  it  was 
supposed,  might  be  attahied  by  takmg  at  first  an  easterly  and 
then  a  northerly  course.  The  discovery  of  the  Cape  of  Good 
Hope,  in  1487,  encouraged  expectation,  and  gave  increased  ac- 
tivity to  the  spirit  of  adventure. 

3.  Among  the  navigators  of  that  age,  Christopher  Columbus,^ 
a  native  of  the  republic  of  Genoa,  was  distkiguished  for  experi- 
ence and  skill  in  his  profession,  for  extensive  knowledge,  and 
for  a  bold  and  original  genius.  The  shape  of  the  earth,  thea 
known  to  be  round,  and  the  fact  that  pieces  of  carved  wood,  r 
canoe,  and  two  human  bodies,  of  a  complexion  different  from 
that  of  Europeans,  had  been  driven,  by  long  westerly  wind8> 
upon  the  shores  of  islands  contiguous  toEurope,  suggested  to 
his  observing  mhid  the  project  of  seeking  tlie  East  lndi«  by 
sailing  directly  west. 


8 


INTRODUCTION. 


4.  Unable  to  defray  the  eiqpences  of  an  expedition,  he  sought 
first  the  assistance  of  his  native  city.  His  countrymen,  accus- 
tomed only  to  cnusing,  in  frail  vessds,  along  the  shores  of  the 
continent,  treated  the  project'as  chinierica],.and  declined  furnish- 
ing edd.  A  pressing  application  to  the  king  of  Portugal,  in 
whose  dominions  he  had  resided,  met  likewise  with  ridic^e  and 
rejection.  Persevering  in  hi»  purpose,  he  then  sent  his  brother, 
Bartholomew,  to  England,  to  iqpply  to  Henry  YII,  and  went 
himself  to  ^pson,  which  was  then  governed  by  Ferdinand  and 
Isabella,  from  whom  he  solidted  asi^itance. 

5.  For  a  long  time  he  solicited  in  vauu  At  lengfhHthe  qufeen, 
persuaded  by  his  representations,  became  his  friend  and  patron. 
By  her  direction,  tm«e  small  vessels  were  fitted  out,  and  he  was 
authorised  to  sail  with  these  upon  his  projected  voyage  of  db< 
covery.  On  the  third  of  August,  1492,  he  departed  from  Palos, 
in  Spain,  directing  his  course  towards  the  Canary  islands. 

6.  He  stopped  there  to  refit,  and,  on  the  sixth  of  September, 
boldly  adventured  into  seas  which  no  vessel  had  jret  entejred, 
with  no  chart  to  direct  him,  no  guide  but  his  compass,  and  with- 
out any  knowledge  of  the  tides  or  currents  whicL  mi^t  inter- 
rupt Us  course.  He  moved  rapidly  before  the  tnule  wind, 
which  blows  invariably  from  the  east  to  the  west  between  the 
tin^pics,  judiciously  concealing  firom  his  ignorant  and  timid  crews 
the  progress  he  made,  lest  they  might  be  alarmed  at  the  qpeed 
with  wmch  they  receded  from  home. 

7.  About  the  fourteenth  of  September,  he  was  distant  neai'ljr 
six  hundred  miles  from  die  most  westeriy  of  the  Canaries,  and 
here  the  magnetic  needle  was  observed  to  \ary  from  its  direc- 
tion to  the  polar  star,  and  incline  towards  the  west ;  on  ap- 
pearance which,  although  now  familiar,  had  never  before  been 
observed. 

8.  Columbus  and  his  companions  were  alarmed.  They  were 
far  from  tend,  and  far  from  the  tracks  of  other  navigators.  All 
before  and  around  them  was  unknown,  and  their  only  guide 
seemed  to  be  no  longer  entitled  to  their  confidence.  But  although 
alarmed,  Columbus  lost  not  his  presence  of  mind.  He  assigned 
a  reason  for  the  variation,  which,  witliout  satisfying  hhi^lf, 
silenced  the  murmurs  of  his  companions. 

9.  But  the  interval  of  quiet  and  subordination  was  short. 
Dinfiection  soon  reappeared  among  the  ignorant  and  wavering, 
and,  gradually  spreading,  at  length  pervaded  the  whole  squadron. 
The  men  blamed  their  sovereign  for  listening  to  the  schemes  of 
a  dreamhig  adventurer.  The  mdlcations  of  land  had  all  proved 
fallacious.    They  would  be  amused  and  deceived  no  longer. 


INTROBUCTiaN; 


9 


Tbey  agreed  that  Colniiibus  ahould  he  fonK>d  to  reUoquiah  an 
lindertaking  whb^  seined  to  {Nromlse  nothing  but  destLmction ; 
and  some  of  the  more  daring  tidked  of  throwing  him  into  the 
8ea«  M  a  virionarjr  propsctor,  whoaie  deaOi  would  cause  no  regrot, 
and  pcoduce  no  inquii^.      - 

10.  Amidst  these  difficulties,  Columbus  displayed  those  traits 
of  character  ndiich  proved  the  gretitneM  of  bis  mind,  and  his  pe- 
culiar fitness  for  the  fjOrduous  duties  of  his  staUon..  He  umeared 
with  a  steady  and  cheerfol  countenance,  as  if  satisfied  with  ii^at 
he  had  done.  Stoiethnes  he  soothed  his  companions  by  hdiding 
out.  to  them  «  prosjpeet  of  riches  and  of  fanw,  and  by  offering  a 
gratuity  to  him  who  should  first  discover  land.  Sometimes  he 
assumed  a  tone  of  authority,  threateidng  them  with  the  ven- 
geance of  their  sovereign,  and  everiasting  infamy,  shoidd  they 
conqpd  him  to  abandon  the  undertaking* 

11.  These  encouraeements  and  threiftts  prevent^  open  and 
forcible  resistance  to  ins  authority.  Meanwhile  the  squadron 
proceeded  onward ;  the  indications  of  land  had  become  fraquent, 
and  convinced  him  that  it  coald  not  be  far  distant  But  his  crew 
were  unconvinced,  and  their  discontent  increased.  Assembling 
tumultuoufdy  on  deck,  they  demanded  to  be  conducted  back  to 
Spahk  As  a  last  expedient,  he  proposed  tiiat  they  should  con- 
tinue Cn  their  course  ttiree  days  longert  and  if,  in  Ibat  time,  land 
shotdd  not  be  discovered,  he  woud  then  comply  witii  tiieir 
demand. 

12.  They  consented.  Before  the  time  expired,  Columbus, 
on  the  lltik  of  October,  at  midnight,  saw  a  light  glinrniering  at 
a  distance.  <*  AU^tl  alight!"  was  the  joyful  exclamation, 
which  instantiy  resound^  uirough  the  squaiuron.  On  the  ap^ 
proach  of  mondng,  dl  hands  stood  gazing  intentiy  hi  the  direc- 
tion where  land,  n  was  expected,  would  he  discovei<ed. 

18.  Soon,  on  board  the  Pinta,  the  most  forward  vessel,  was 
heard  the  cry  of  "  Land  I  land!"  which  was  repeated,  with 
sdihost  firantic  delight,  by  the  crews  of  the  other  vessels.  Pasrtng 
from  one  extreme  to  the  other,  they,  who  a  few  days  before  had 
reviled  and  insulted  their  Commander,  now  regarded  him  as  one 
whom  the  Deity  had  endowed  with  knowled^  and  penetration 
above  the  common  lot  of  mortals. 

14.  At  sunrise,  Columbus,  in  a  rich  and  iqplendid  dress,  land- 
ed, und,  with  a  drawn  sworif  in  his  hand,  and  displaying  the 
royal  standsdrd,  took  possession  of  the  island  for  the  crown  ot 
Spahi,  in  his  followers  Imeeling  on  the  shore  and  kissbig  the 
grpund  with  tears  of  joy.    The  natives,  who  had  assembfed  in 


">^ 


10 


INTRODUCTION. 


grsttl  immbtn  on  the  first  ■ppeannce  of  the  ships,  stowl  around 
the  SpaniBrd8,rgazing^  in  speechless  astonishment 

16.  <*  The  Europeans  were  liardly  less  amazed  at  the  scene 
before  them.  Every  lierb,  and  shrub,  and  tree  was  diftrent 
from  those  which  flourished  in  Europe.    The  bhabitants  ap- 

E eared  in  the  simple  innocence  of  nature,  enUrely  nalied.  Theh* 
lacli  hair,  long  and  uncurled,  floated  upon  their  shoulders  or 
was  bound  in  tresses  around  their  heads.  Though  not  tall,  th^ 
were  well  shaped  and  active.  They  were'  shy  at  first,  througn 
fear,  but  soon  became  familiar  with  ttie  Spaniards ;  from  whom, 
with  transports  of  joy,  the>  received  various  trinlcets,  for  which 
Kn  return  mey  gave  sijich  prov^ons  as  they  h»f  ?:'d  some  cotton 
yam,  the  only  commodi^  of  value  they  could  jir.  luce.*' 

lii.  To  this  island  Columbus  gave  the  name  of  San  Salvador. 
The  natives  callec!  it  Ouanahani,  and  by  that  name  it  is  now 
known.  It  is  one  of  the  Bahama  isles,  and  is  above  three  thou- 
sand mUes  from  Oomera,  the  most  western  of  the  Canaries. 
From  the  poverty  and  ignorance  of  the  inhabitants,  Columbus 
was  convhiced  tnat  he  had  not  yet  arrived  at  the  rich  country 
which  was  the  object  of  his  search.  Leaving  Guanahani,  he 
discovered  and  visited  several  other  islands,  and  at  lenoth  arrived 
at  one  called  Haytl,  by  the  natives,  and  by  him,  Hlspaniola. 
Here  he  remained  a  few  weeks,  and  then  returned  to  Spain. 

17.  The  news  of  his  wonderful  discovery  filled  the  kingdom 
with  astonishment  and  joy.  His  reception  at  court  was  accom- 
panied by  flattering  and  splendid  ceremonies  ordained  for  the 
occasion ;  and  he  was  honored  by  many  proofs  of  royal  favor. 
He  made  three  Subsequent  voyages,  and,  in  1408,  discovered 
the  continent  of  America,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Oronoco,  a  river 
of  the  third  or  fourth  magnitude  in  the  New  World,  but  fkr  sur- 
passing the  largest  in  the  Old. 

18.  The  honor,  however,  of  first  discovering  the  continent, 
must,  without  diminishing  the  merit  of  Columbus,  be  given  to 
John  Cabot  and  his  son  Sebastian.  They  were  Yeneuans  by 
birth,  but,  soon  after  the  renult  of  the  first  voyage  of  Columbus 
wad  known,  were  sent,  by  the  king  of  England,  on  an  enedition 
of  discovery,  hi  the  same  direction.  In  June,  1497,  mey  ar- 
rived at  the  island  of  Newfoundland,  in  North  America,  and, 
proceeding  westward,  soon  after  reached  the  continent.  It 
being  their  object  ako  to  find  a  direct  passaq^  to  tiie  East 
Indies,  they  first  sailed  northwardly  in  search  of  it,  as  fiur  as  the 

^  67th  degree  of  latitude ;  then,  returning,  cruised  along  the  coast 
*  to  East  Florida ;  and  thence  sailed  to  England  without  having 


ma 
thj 


INTRODUCTION. 


11 


made  anv  setdement.  Upon  the  dieeoveriee  made  in  Ifaia  voyage, 
the  £nplih  founded  their  claim  tn  the  eaatem  portion  of  North 
.^Lmcnrica* 

19.  In  1499,  Alonzo  de  Ojeda,  a  companion  of  Cblnmhoi  in 
hie  tint  ei^dition,  aailhig  under  the  patronage  of  leveral  Por- 
tuguese merchants,  discovered  the  continent  at  Paria,  in  the^fth 
degree  of  north  laUtude.  Amerieus  Yespucius,  a  Florentine 
gentleman  who  acdompanied  him,  publi^ed,  on  his  return,  an 
account  of  the  voyaae  and  a  descnption  of  the  country  which 
they  had  lisited ;  and  from  hfan  it  derives  the  name  it  bears. 

20.  In  1604,  several  adventurous  navigators,  from  diffisrent 

Sarts  oC  France,  came,  in  small  vessels^  to  fish  on  the  banks  of 
I^ewfoundland.  In  1524,  John  Yerrazzano,  a  Florentine,  in 
the  employment  of  the  king  of  France,  sailed  along  the  coast  of 
America,  from  Florida  to  the  60th  degree  of  north  latitude. 
He  is  supposed  to  have  entered  the  harbor  of  New  York.  He 
made,  the  next  year,  another  voyage,  from  which  he  never 
returned,  nor  is  it  known  by  what  disaster  he  perished. 

21.  During  the  next  forty  years,  frequent  voyaoes  were  made 
to  the  coast  of  North  America.  Of  some,  the  object  was  fish- 
ing ;  of  others,  trade  with  the  natives.  In  1640,  the  French 
made  an  attempt  to  plant  a  colony  in  Canada,  wUoh  was  unsuc- 
cessftil. 

22.  The  religious  wars  which  afflicted  France  in  the  sbcteenth 
century,  induced  that  illustrious  statesman,  Jaqper  Colig^,  Uie 
head  of  the  Protestant  sect,  to  project,  in  1602,  a  settikmient  in 
America,  to  which  his  brethren  might  retire  from  the  penecu- 
Uon  of  the  Oathollte.  Fittins  out  two  ships,  he  sent  them  thi- 
ther under  the  command  of  Mn  Ribaut,  who  landed  at  a  plaee 
supposed  to  be  withhi  tlie  limits  of  South  Carolina,  built  a  fort, 
left  a  part  of  his  men,  and  returned  to  France. 

28.  The  men  who  were  left,  soon  after  mutinied,  killed  their 
commander,  built  and  equipped  a  vessel  and  put  to  sea.  Having 
been  imt  several  weeks  and  consumed  all  their  provisioni,  one 
of  thefar  number,  who  consented  to  be  made  a  victim  to  save  his 
comrides,  was  killed  and  eaten.  A  few  days  afterwards,  thev 
were  takea  up  by  an  English  vessel  and  carried  to  EnglaDd. 
▲his  WM  the  first  attempt  to  plant  a  colony  within  the  Umlli  of 
the  United  States;  and  it  is  worthy  of  remark,  that  to  sacon  an 
asylum  ttom  religious  persecution  was  the  object  in  vliir.  Oo- 
Ugni  afterwards  sent  a  party  to  Florida,  who  were  treaoheroiuly 
massacred  by  the  Spaniards. 

24.  In  1688,  Sir  Humphrey  Gilbert,  having  reeeived  Ann 
tpMen  Eliiabeth  a  grant  of  such  "  remote,  heathen,  and  b«ri»- 


12 


INTRODUCTION. 


rous  IumIb"  m  be  might  discover  and  occupy,  fitted  out «  squad- 
droQ  of  five  shipa,  and  sailed'  for  America.  On  arriying  l)efore 
St.  John,  in  Newfoundlaud,  lie  found  thirty  six  vessels  fishing  in 
the  harbor.  He  landed  and  took  possession  of  the  counkiy  in 
the  name  of  Ibis  sovereign.  On  hto  return  to  England,  be  suf- 
fered sh^wreck  and  perished. 

aft.  llie  next  year,  shr  Walter  Raleigfa,  distingnii^  fai  the 
history  of  England  as  a  gallant  ktiight  and  as  the  favorite  of  the 
queen,  obtahied  a  renewal  of  the  patent  gran^d  to  shr  Humphrey, 
who  was  his  hadf  brother,  and  despatched  to  America  two  ships 
commanded  by  captains  Aroidas  aod  Bariow.  They  first  landed 
on  an  Iblttid  hi  the  inlet  to  Pamplico  sound,  then  proceeded  to 
the  isle  of  Roanoke  at  the  n^outh  of  Albermarle  sound,  in  North 
CaroUna,  and  at  both  placep  were  treated  wiih  greft  respect  by 
the  natives. 

26.  Having  fireighted  thefar  shins  with  furs,  sassafiras,  and.  ce- 
dar, they  returned  to  England,  where  they  published  marvellous 
accounts  of  the  beau^  ef  the  country,  the  fertility  of  the  soU,  die 
mildness  of  the  climate,  and  the  innocence  of  the  natives.  The 
nueen  was  so  charmed  with  the  description  that,  as  a  memoriid 
ttiat  the  country  had  been  discovered  during  the  reign  of  a  vii^^n 
queen,  she  called  it  Virgmia. 

27.  The  next  year,  Raleigh  sent  flrom  England  a  fleet  of 
seven  vessels,  commanded  by  Sir  Richard  Orenville,  and  oar- 
rving  upwards  of  one  hundmd  persons,  destined  to  bedn  a  set- 
tlement. They  were  left  under  Ralph  Lane,  on  Roanoke 
island.  The  success  of  the  Spaniards  In  finding  gold  in  South 
America,  led  these  adventurers  to  employ  th^  tune  hi  a  fruit- 
less search  for  it  here.  In  1686,  they  were  visited  by  Sir 
Francis  Drake,  who,  at  their  request,  conveyed  them  back  to 
England.  Lane  carrying  home  a  quantity  of  tobacco,  the 
Indian  custom  of  smoking  it  was  adopted  by  Raleigh,  a  man  of 
gaiety  and  fadiion,  and  liSroduced  at  court 

98.  Soon  after  Drake  departed,  Orenville  agab  arrived  wlUi 

Srovlsiens  for  the  settlement.  Fhiding  it  abandoned,  he  left 
fteen  men  to  keep  possession  of  the  country.  In  1687,  three 
other  ships  were  sent  to  the  same  place,  but  the  men  who  had 
been  left  could  not  be  found,  having  probably  been  murdered 
b\  the  savages.  After  remaining  a  tew  weeks  on  the  coast,  the 
ships  returned  to  England,  leaving  one  hundred  and  seventeen 
men  on  the  island.  War  then  existing  between  England  and 
Spain,  two  years  elapsed  before  the  coast  was  agahi  visited.  In 
that  (ieriod  the  whole  number  perished  {  but  in  what  manner 


iNT^'ODtCTlO]!^. 


13 


has  never  been  aseertair  ti.     Thus  ended  the  exertiona  of 
Haleig^  to  plant  a  colony  in  America. 

29.  These  successhre  misfortunes  withdrew  for  several  years 
the  ttttention  of  the  English  from  these  distant  regions*  Iki 
1602,  Bartholomew  Gosnold  made  a  voyage  to  America.  In- 
stead of  taking  tibe  chrcuitous,  but  usual  route,  by  the  West  India 
isbnds,  he  steered  directly  west  from  Endand,  shortening  the 
voyage  at  least  one  third,  and  arrived,  in  May,  on  the  coast  of 
Massachusetts.  He  discovered  a  head  land,  and  taking  a  great 
quantity  of  codfish  near  it,  called  it  Cape  Cod.  Proceeding 
southwardly,  he  passed  Gay  Head>  entered  Buzzard^s  bay,  and 
upon  an  island  within  it  erected  a  small  fort,  the  ruins  of  which 
were  visible  so  late  as  1797.  After  trading  a  while  with  the 
Indians  he  returned  home. 

30.  The  report  made  by  Gosnold  revived  the  spirit  of  adven- 
ture. In  1603  and  1605,  two  voyages  were  made  in  the  same 
direction,  and  Penobscot  bay,  Massachusetts  bay  and  the  rivers 
between  them  were  discovered.  The  accounts  given  by  the  last 
navigators  confirmed  the  report  of  Gosnold,  and  led  to  a  more 
extensive  scheme  of  colonization  than  had  yet  been  attempted. 

31.  Of  this  scheme,  Mr.  Richard  Hakluyt  was  the  most  ac- 
tive promoter.  By  his  persuasion  an  association  of  gentlemen, 
in  different  parts  of  the  kingdom,  was  formed  for  the  purpose  of 
Mending  colonies  to  America.  Upon  their  application  to  king 
James,  he,  by  letters  patent,  dated  In  1606,  divided  the  country 
of  Vhrginia,  then  considered  as  extending  from  the  southern 
boundary  of  North  Carolina  to  the  northern  boundarv  of  Maine, 
Into  two  districts,  and  constituted  two  companies  for  planting 
colonies  within  ^hem. 

82.  The  southern  district  he  granted  to  sir  Thomas  Gates 
and  his  associates,  chiefly  resident  in  London,  and  therefore 
styled  the  London  company.  The  northern  district  he  granted 
to  Thomas  Hanham  and  his  associates,  who  were  stvled  the  Ply- 
mouth oompany.  The  two  districts  were  called  South  and 
Nor  Ji  Virginia.  The  members  of  these  companies  were  prin- 
cipally merchants;  their  objects  were  the  extension  of  commerce 
and  the  discovery  of  mines  of  the  precious  metals,  which  were 
supposed  to  abound  in  North  as  well  as  in  South  America. 

88.  For  the  supreme  government  of  the  colonies,  a  grand 
council  was  instituted,  the  members  of  which  >vere  *'^  reskie  in 
England,  and  to  be  appointed  by  the  king.  The  8ul>ordinoto 
iurudiction  was  committed  to  a  council  in  each  colony,  ttie  mom- 
Hem  of  which  were  to  be  appointed  by  tiie  gnmd  coiuicU  in  Eng- 
land, and  to  be  governed  liy  its  inPlnicUons.    To  the  emigrants 


'     ^xs-ti^ 


f^  "V  -»>jpT;"-  •"«■    -1V'^'»  •  n;  ^.f^^'^JWI?" 


H 


r 


INTBODTJCTIOir 


lad  their  descsndants  were  secured  the  enjoyment  of  all  the 
rights  of  denizens  or  citizens,  in  the  same  manner  and  io  the 
same  extent  as  if  they  had  remained  or  been  bom  in  England. 

84.  Before  the  date,  however,  of  tbise  letters  patent,  the  kmg 
of  France  granted  to  the  Sieur  De  Monts  all  the  territory  from 
Ae  40th  to  the  46th  degree  of  north  latitude,  or  from  New  Jer^ 
sey  to  Nova  Scotia,  then  called  Acadie.  By  virtue  of  this  inrant 
a  settlement  was  made  in  1604,  on  the  south  eastern  side  of  the 
bay  of  Fundy,  and  called  Port  Royal,  tn  1608,  Samuel 
Ghamplain,  the  agent  of  De  Monts,  laid  the  foundation  of  Que- 
bec, tne  capital  of  Canada.  From  these  possessions  of  the 
French,  the  colonies  of  New  England  and  New  York  were, 
for  more  than  a  century,  frequently  and  cruelly  annoyed. 


♦  ■'<m\  • 


'       .      ■  '       it  I  ■■ 


|B» 


'•■}■■■'•{■  r 


*v  ■». 


.  ^«Jf;. 


,.<;,' 


kt'*i 


V>.  ; 


'■■■'. ^', 


CHAPTER  1. 


HISTORY  OF  VIRGINIA. 


i\ 


THE  London  companv,  soon  after  its  incorporation  in  1606, 
despatched  to  America  mree  ships,  having  on  board  one  hun- 
dred and  five  persons  destined  to  begin  a  settlement  in  South 
Virginia.  Christopher  Newport  commanded  the  squadron. 
He  was  accompanied  by  captsdn  Gosnold  and  other  distinguished 
individuals ;  some  allurad  by  curiosity,  and  some  by  the  prospect 
of  gahi,  to  visit  a  country  raid  to  be  inhabited  by  a  new  race  of 
beings,  and  to  abound  in  silver  and  gold. 

2.  A  sealed  box  was  delivered  to  Newport,  with  directions 
that  it  should  not  be  opened  until  twenty-four  hours  after  the 
emigrants  had  landed  in  America.  During  the  voyage,  violent 
dissensions  arose  among  the  principal  personages  on  board  the 
squadron.  Of  most  of  them,  John  Smith,  one  of  the  adventu- 
rers, incurred  the  distrust  and  hatred.  His  superior  talents,  and 
the  fame  he  had  acquired  by  his  exploits  in  war,  excited  their 
envy,  and  probably  caused  him  to  claim  ibr  himself  greater 
deference  than  thev  were  willing  or  bound  to  yield. 

8.  In  his  youth,  he  had  been  a  merchant's  apprentice.  At  the 
axe  of  fiiVeen,  he  quitted  his  master  and  travelled  in  France,  the 
Netherlands,  Egypt,  and  Germany.  Havhig  joined  tiie  army  of 
the  emperor  of  Austria,  who  was  Uien  at  war  with  the  Turks',  ho 
received,  as  a  reward  for  a  successful  stratagem,  tiie  command 
of  a  troop  of  horcte. 

4.  In  three  personal  combats  with  Turkish  champions,  he 
came  off  victorious,  at  each  time  killing  his  adversary.  In  a 
battle  which  subsequentiy  took  place,  he  was  wounded  and  taken 
prisoner.  After  his  recovery,  he  was  sent  as  a  slave  to  Con- 
stantinople. He  had  fallen  into  the  hands  of  a  cruel  master;  but 
Ills  mistress,  captivated  by  his  fine  appearance  and  hereto 
character,  and  commiserating  his  fate,  sent  him,  in  the  absence 
of  her  husband,  to  her  brother,  who  dwelt  near  the  sea  of  Asoph. 
He,  disregarding  her  directions,  assigned  to  Smith  degrading  and 
laborious  tasks,  and  beat  him  without  mercy  whenever  he  failed 
to  perform  them. 

6.  SeiElng  a  favorable  opportunity,  he  killed  his  new  master 
and  fled  Into  RuMsla.  After  visiting  Germany,  France,  Spain, 
and  Morocco,  he  returned  to  England,  became  acquainted  with 
QoBoold,  and  was  easily  persutded  to  embark  in  on  expedition 


iftMrt-v-JI>*|-s»t»-.«16'iJ*ka,^««»,, 


16 


VIRGINIA. , 


*■• 


to  a  country  he  had  not  yet  visited,  in  search  of  new  scenes  and 
new  adventures.  While  yet  at  sea*  he  was  accused  of  an  inten- 
tion to  murder  the  council,  usurp  the  government,  and  make 
himself  king  of  Yir^nia ;  and  uj^on  this  absurd  accusation  was 
put  in  confinement. 

6.  The  place  of  their  destination  viras  the  disasterous  position 
at  Roanoke.  A  storm  fortunately  drove  them  to  the  mouth  of 
Chesapeake  bay,  which  they  entered  on  the  26th  of  April,  1607. 
Discovering  a  large  and  beautiful  river,  tliey  gave  it  the  name 
of  James  River,  ascended  it,  and  on  its  banks  had  8e\  jral  inter>^ 
views  with  the  natives. 

7.  In  one  of  these  a  chief  came  forward,  holding  in  one  hand 
his  bow  and  arrows,  in  the  other  a  pipe  of  tobacco,  and  demand-, 
ed  the  cause  of  their  coming.  Tliey  made  signs  of  peace,  and 
were  received  as  friends.  Paspiha,  another  chief,  when  inform> 
ed  of  their  wish  to  settle  in  the  country,  ofTefed  them  as  much 
land  as  they  wanted,  ^nd  sent  them  a  deer  for  thdr  entertahi-> 
ment. 

8.  On  the  13th  of  May,  they  debarked  at  a  place  which  they 
called  Jamestown.  On  opening  the  seaiefiL  box,  it  was  found  ta 
contain  the  names  of  the  council  and  instructions  for  theif  guid- 
ance. In  the  list  were  the  names  of  Gosnold,  Smith,  Wingneld, 
and  Newport.     Wingfleld  was  elected  president,  and  a  vote  was 

Eassed  excluding  Smith  from  his  seat  at  the  board.     He  was^ 
owever,  released  from  confinement. 

0.  The  whole  country  was  then  a  wilderness,  in  which  a  few 
Indians  roamed  in  pursuit  of  their  enemies,  or  of  wild  beasts  for 
food.  In  color  they  were  darker  than  the  European,  but  not  so. 
black  as  the  negro.  They  pussessed  all  the  vices  and  virtues  of 
the  savage  state ;  were  cunning  in  stratagem,  ferocious  in  battle, 
cruel  to  their  conquered  enemies,  kind  and  hospitable  to  their 
friends.  They  had  no  written  language ;  they  were  unacquainted 
with  the  use  of  iron  and  the  other  metals ;  their  weapons  of  wai* 
were  a  bow  and  arrows,  a  stone  hatchet,  which  they  called  a 
tomahawk,  and  a  club.  They  lived  principally  by  hunthig,  but 
sometimes  cultivated  small  patches  of  Indian  corn. 

1 0.  From  such  nelghbora  the  emigrants  could  expect  but  little 
aid  or  comfort.  Yet  tney  took  no  care  to  provide  for  their  future 
subsistence  or  preservation.  They  planted  notliing  the  first  year. 
The  provisions  brought  from  England  were  soon  consumed.  In 
four  months,  famine  and  the  diseases  of  a  hot  and  damp  clhnate 
swept  away  filly  of  their  number. 

11.  These  dreadful  distresses  led  them  to  reflect  upon  their 
situation  and  conduct.  Having  become  nensible  of  their  iniustice 
to  Smith)  they,  at  hia  request,  had  gnuited  him  a  tri<,d«  which  (C-^ 


JlRGmUL 


17 


suited  in  an  honorable  acquittal.  His  personal  talents  and  activity 
now  enforced,  in  adversity,  the  same  regard  and  deference  which, 
in  prosperous  times,  are  yielded  only  to  vented  authority  and  offi- 
cial stadon. 

12.  By  his  advice,  a  fort  was  erected,  to  protect  them  firom  the 
attacks  of  the  Indians.  To  procure  provisions  and  explore  tibe 
country,  he  made  frequent  and  distant  excursions  into  the  wilder- 
ness. In  one  of  these,  he  seized  an  Indian  idol,  made  with  sldns 
stuffed  with  moss,  for  ttie  redemption  of  which  as  much  com  was 
brought  him  as  he  required.  Sometimes  he  procured  suppUes  by 
caresses,  sometimes  by  purchase,  and  when  these  means  railed  of 
success,  he  scrupled  not  to  resort  to  stratagem  and  violence. 

13.  But  in  the  midst  of  his  activity  and  usefulness,  he  was, 
while  exploring  the  source  of  the  river  Chickahominy,  surprised 
and  attacked  by  a  party  of  Indians.  He  defended  himself  bravely 
until  his  companions  were  killed,  when  he  turned  to  flee.  Run- 
ning at  hazard,  he  sunk  to  his  neck  in  a  swamp  and  was  taken 
prisoner. 

14.  The  exulting  savages  conducted  him  in  trium^,  through 
several  towns,  to  their  king,  Powhatan.  At  the  end  of  six  weeks, 
their  chiefs  assembled  to  deliberate  on  his  fate.  They  decided 
that  he  should  die.  He  was  led  forth  to  execution;  his  head  was 
placed  upon  a  stone,  and  an  Indian  stood  near  with  a  club,  the 
instrument  of  death.  At  this  instant,  Pocahontas,  the  young  and 
favorite  daughter  of  the  king,  iq)peared,  and  rushinff  between  the 
executioner  and  the  prisoner,  folded  his  head  in  her  arms  and 
entreated  her  father  to  spare  his  life.  Powhatan  relented,  direct- 
ed Smith  to  be  conducted  to  his  wigwam  or  hut,  and  soon  after- 
wards sent  him,  escorted  by  twelve  ffuides,  to  Jamestown. 

15.  On  his  arrival  there,  he  found  the  number  of  settlers  re- 
duced to  thirty  eight,  and  most  of  these  had  determined  to  aban- 
don the  country.  By  persuasions  and  threats,  ho  induced  a  ma- 
jority to  relinquish  their  design.  The  remsdnder,  more  resolute, 
went  on  board  a  small  vessel  in  the  river.  Against  these  he  in- 
stantly directed  the  suns  of  the  fort,  when,  to  avdd  the  danger 
of  being  sunk,  they  hastened  back  to  their  companions. 

10.  Sustaining  now  a  high  reputation  among  the  Indians,  he 
obtained  fhun  them  occasional  supplies  of  provisions,  which  pre- 
served the  colony  from  famine.  The  princess  PooiJiontaa  also, 
remembering  him  whose  life  she  had  saved,  frequently  sent  hhii 
such  articles  as  were  most  needed.  The  settlers  wera  thus  ena» 
bled  to  subsist  until  Captain  Newport,  who  had  returned  to  Eng- 
land, again  arrived  at  Jamestown,  with  a  quantity  of  provisions, 
and  one  hundred  and  twenty  persons,  who  come  to  reside  in  the 
colony. 


18 


VIRGINIA. 


17.  All  danger  being  in  ap|)earance  over,  the  emigrants  no 
longer  submitted  to  the  authority,  nor  listened  to  the  advice,  of 
Smith,  Disorder  and  confusion  foUowed ;  and  about  this  time,  , 
that  ragmff  passion  for  gold,  which  first  impelled  Europeans  to 
resort  to  wis  countiy,  was  again  excited.  In  a  stream  north  of 
Jamestown,  a  glittering  earth  was  discovered  which  was  supposed 
to  be  gold  dust.  **  Inunediately,"  says  Stith,  in  his  history, 
*'  there  was  no  thought,  no  discourse,  no  hope,  and  no  work,  but 
to  dig  gold,  wash  gold,  refine  gold,  and  load  gold."  And  notwith-  . 
standing  the  remonstrances  of  Smithy  a  ship,  was  frel^ted  with 
this  worthless  commodity  and  sent  to  JBngland. 

18.  Finding  he  could  not  be  useful  at  Jamestown,  and  tun  wil- 
ling to  be  idle.  Smith  set  out  upon  an  eiqpediUon  to  explore  the 
coasts  of  the  Chesapeake.  With  great  labor  and  fatigue,  he  ex» 
amined  every  inlet,  river,  and  bay,  as  far  as  the  mouth  of  the 
Rappahannock  \  whence,  his  provisions  being  exhausted,  he  re- 
turned home. 

19.  He  found  the  people  turbulent  and  discontented.  They 
chai^d  the  president  with  squandering  tlie  public  property,  and 
imposing  upon  them  unnecessary  fatigue,  by  con^ielling  them  to 
buud  for  himself  a  house  of  pleasure  in  the  woods*  Ke  was  de- 
postid ;  Smith  was  chosen  to  succeed  him ;  he  refused  to  accept 
the  o^cet  l^ut  no  other  person  was  appointed. 

20.  Having  procured  a  supply  of  provisions,  he  again  departed  , 
to  complete  the  survey  of  the  Chesapeake.     He  visited  all  the 
countries  on  both  shores ;  he  traded  with  some  tribes ;  he  fought 
with  others ;  and  left,  among  all,  the  highest  admiration  of  the  < 
beneficence  or  valor  of  the  English.     Returmng  after  an  absence  ■ 
of  six  weeks,  he  was  again  chosen  president..    Yielding  to  the 
general  wish,  he  consented  to  accept  the  office.     Under  his  ad- 
mhiistration,  habits  of  industry  and  subordination  were  formed^ 
^d  peace  and  plenty  smiled  upon  the  colony. 

21.  In  1609,  the  London  company,  havhig  obtained  a  new 
chsurter  conferring  greater  powers  and  privileges  than  the  former,, 
despatched  to  Virginia  nine  ships,  carrying  five  hundred  emi- 
grants, and  certain  ofldccrs  aNiointed  to  supersede  the  existing 
government.  The  ship,  in  which  these  officers  embarked,  was 
driven  ashore  on  the  island  of  Bermudas.  The  settlers,  who 
came  in  the  others,  were  licentious,  profligate,  and  disorderly. 
Assuming  the  power  of  disposhig  of  the  government,  the^^  Qoiit* 
forred  it  sometimes  on  one,  and  sometimes  on  another. 

22.  In  this  confusion,  Smith  hesitated  but  a  short  time  in  de- 
ciding what  course  to  pursue.  He  determined  that  his  authority 
ivas  not  suspended  until  the  arrival  of  the  peraons  appointed  to 
mupersede  hiin,  and  resumed,  with  a  stronj);  hand,  tno  reUis  q^ 


.Jt.Kir*. 


VIRGINIA. 


I» 


I  in  (le* 

lorlty 

M  ta 


government.    He  boldly  imprisoned  the  leaders  of  the  sedition^ 
and  restored  for  a  time  regular!^  and  obedience. 

23.  The  Indians,  jealous  of  the  increasing  power  of  the 
strangers  who  had  invaded  their  country,  concerted  a  pldt  ta 
destroy  them.  Pocahontas,  the  constant  friend  of  Yirginiay 
hastened,  in  a  dark  and  dreary  night,  to  Jamestown,  and  informed 
Smith  of  his  danger.  Measures  of  precaution  were  instantly 
taken.  The  Indians,  perceivii^  that  their  design  was  discovered, 
again  brought  presents  of  peace  to  ^e  Engli»i. 

24.  Soon  after.  Smith,  having  received  by  accident  a  severe 
wound,  returned  to  England  to  procure  the  odd  of  a  sui^on. 
Disastrous  consequences  followed.  The  Indians,  learning  that 
the  man  whom  they  dreaded  most  had  left  the  colomr,  attacked 
it  with  united  forces.  A  dreadful  famine  ensued.  To  such  ex- 
tremity were  the  settlers  reduced,  that  they  devoured  .the  skins 
of  the  horses,  the  bodies  of  the  Indians  whom  they  had  killed, 
and  at  last  those  of  their  own  companions,  who  had  sunk  imder 
accumulated  miseries.  These  tremendous  sufferings  were  recoU 
lected  long  afterwards  with  horror,  and  the  period  was  remenv- 
bered  and  distinguished  by  the  name  of  the  "starving  time.'' 

25.  In  six  months,  the  colony,  from  five  hundred  persons,  was 
reduced  to  sixty ;  and  these  were  exceedingly  feeble  and  dejected. 
In  this  situation  they  were  visited  by  those  who  were  shipwrecked 
at  Bermudas.  All  immediately  determined  to  return  to  England. 
For  this  purpose,  the  remnant  of  the  colony  embarked  on  board 
the  ships  just  arrived,  and  sailed  down  the  river.  Fortunately 
they  were  met  by  Lord  Delaware,  who  had  been  appointed  go- 
vernor of  Yir^nia,  and  who,  having  brought  with  him  a  supply 
of  provisions,  persuaded  them  to  return  to  Jamestown. 

•  26.  This  nobleman,  by  the  mildness  of  his  temper  and  his  as- 
siduity in  business,  restored  order  and  contentment;  and  the 
Indians  were  agsdn  taught  to  respect  and  fear  the  English.  After 
a  short  administration, lie  was  succeeded  by  Sir  Thomas  Ddc, 
by  whom,  on  the  recurrence  of  disorderly  conduct,  martial  law 
was  proclaimed  and  rigidly  enforced.  In  the  same  year,  [161 1,1 
Sir  Thomas  Gates  was  appointed  governor.  He  brought  with 
him  to  Virginia  a  reinforcement  of  settlers,  by  whom  new  towns 
were  founded.  And  another  charter  was  granted  by  the  khig, 
conferring  additional  privileges. 

27.  In  1612,  captain  Argal  having  learned,  ^ile  on  a  trading 
voyage  to  the  Potomac,  that  Pocahontas  was  in  the  neighboiiiood, 
viiit^  and  persuaded  her  to  go  on  board  his  vessel.  He  treated 
her  respectrully,  but  detained  and  carried  her  to  Jamestown. 
He  presumed  that  the  possession  of  Pocahontas  would  give  the 
Gn^ish  an  ascendency  over  Powhatan,  who  was  known  to  f0ek 


20 


YIR6INIA. 


Ir,  • 


a  strong  attachment  to  his  daughter.  In  this,  however,  he  was 
disappomted.  Powhatan,  nc^le  by  nature,  felt  indignant  at  this 
instance  of  treachery  in  the  Engli^.  He  offered  a  ransom  for 
his  daughter,  but  refused- to  consent  to  any  terms  of  peace  until 
^e  was  restored. 

28.  During  her  stay  at  Jamestown,  her  beauty,  her  artless 
^mplicity,  and  those  graces  of  manner  which  ever  accompany 
dignity  of  mind  and  umocence  of  heart,  won  the  affections  of  Mr. 
Rolfe,  a  young  and  respectable  planter.  He  succeeded  in  pro- 
ducing a  reciprocal  attadiment.  They  were  married  with  the 
consent  of  Powhatan.  The  consequence  of  this  marriage  was 
peace  With  her  fathw,  and  with  all  the  tribes  who  stood  in  aw<» 
of  his  power. 

29.  Rolfe  and  his  princess  made  a  voyage  to  England,  where 
she  was  received  by  the  king  and  queen  with  the  attention  due 
to  her  rank.  For  her  virtues,  and  her  disinterested  services,  sh6 
was  universaUy  beloved  and  respected.  She  died  when  about  to 
return  to  America,  leaving  one  son,  from  whom  are  descended 
some  of  the  most  respectable  faoniUes  in  Virginia. 

30.  In  1613,  captain  Argal  was  sent,  with  a  naval  force,  to 
drive  the  French  from  the  settlements  they  had  begun  in  Acadia, 
which  were  considered  to  be  within  the  limits  of  North  Virginia. 
He  accomplished  the  object  of  the  expedition,  and,  when  re* 
tumhig,  visited  a  Dutch  trading  establishment  on  Hudson's 
river,  which  was  also  within  the  same  limits.  The  governor,  too 
feeble  to  resist,  acknowledged  himself  subject  to  the  king  of 
England. 

31.  The  king,  in  his  instructions  given  at  the  time  of  the  first 
emigration  to  Jamestown,  directed  ttiat  all  the  land  should  be 
owned  hi  comnnon,  and  that  the  produce  of  the  labor  of  all  should 
be  deposited  in  the  public  stores.  In  such  circumstances,  no  one 
would  labor  with  the  same  steadiness  and  animation  as  if  he,  and 
he  alone,  was  to  possess  and  enjoy  the  fruit  of  his  industry.  A 
different  regulation  was  now  adopted.  To  each  inhabitant,  three 
acres  of  land  were  assigned  in  full  property,  and  he  was  permitted 
to  employ,  in  the  cultivation  of  it,  a  certain  portion  of  his  time. 
The  effects  of  this  alteration  were  immediately  visible,  and  de- 
monstrated so  clearly  its  wisdom,  that  soon  after  another  assign- 
ment of  fiftv  acres  was  made ;  and  the  plan  of  working  Ui  a 
conmion  field,  to  fill  the  public  stores,  was  entirely  abandoned. 

82.  Sfaice  the  vear  1611;  the  colony  had  been  governed  bv 
martial  law,  which  was  admhiistered,  by  deputy  governor  Arm, 
with  so  much  rigor  as  to  excite  universal  discontent.  The 
council  in  England,  listening  to  the  complaints  of  the  Virginians^ 
appointed  Mr.  Yeardly  governor,  and  instructed  him  to  inquire 


TIEGINIA. 


8t 


artless 


into  and  redress  their  wrongs.  He  arrived  in  April,  1619,  and 
immediately,  to  the  great  joy  of  the  inhabitants,  called  a  general 
assembly  of  the  colony.  It  met  at  Jamestown,  on  the  19th  of 
June,  and  was  competed  of  delegates  from  the  borou§^,  ilihen 
amounting  to  seven.  They,  the  governor,  and  the  council,  sat 
and  delibwated  in  the  same  apartment,  and  acted  as  one  body. 

33.  Emigrants  continued  to  arrive  frequently  from  Englaud, 
l^ut  nearly  all  were  men,  who  came  for  the  purpose  of  obtaining 
%ea]th,  and  intended  eventually  to  return.  With  such  Views^ 
they  were  evidently  less  useful  to  the  colony  than  if  they  should 
be  induced  to  regard  it  as  their  home,  and  as  the  abode  of  their 
posterity.  To  produce  this  desirable  attachment  to  the  country, 
ninety  girls,  young  and  uncorrupt,  were  sent  over  in  the  year 
1620,  and  sixty  more  in  the  subsequent  year,  and  immediately 
sold  to  the  young  planters  as  wives.  The  price  was,  at  first,  one 
hundred,  and  afterwards,  one  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  of  tobacco, 
then  selling  at  three  shUIings  the  pound :  and  it  was  ordained, 
that  debts,  contracted  for  wives,  should  be  paid  in  preference  to 
all  others. 

84.  About  the  same  time,  Another  measurev  c(S  a  diffeveat 
character,  was  adopted.  The  company  were  ordered  hy  the 
king  to  transport  to  Yii^ginia  one  hundl^  idle  and  dissolute  pev^ 
sons,  then  in  custody  for  their  offences.  They  were  distributed' 
through  the  colony,  and  employed  as  laborers. 

35.  A  Dutch  vessel  also  brought  into  James  nver  twenty 
Africans,  who  were  immediately  purchased  as  slaves.  This  was 
the  commencement,  in  the  English  American  colonies,  of  a  traffic 
abhorrent  to  humanity,  disgraceful  to  civilization,  and  fixing  the 
foulest  stain  upon  the  character  of  the  age  and  people. 

36.  The  colony  was  now  in  the  full  tide  of  prosperity.  Its 
numbers  had  greatly  increased,  and  its  settlements  were  widely 
extended.  At  peace  with  the  Indians,  it  reposed  in  perfect  se- 
curity, and  enjoyed  >vithout  alloy  all  the  happiness  which  its 
fortunate  situation  and  favorable  prospects  afforded.  It  wa« 
doomed  to  experience  a  reverse  of  fortune,  sudden,  distresshig, 
and  terrible. 

37.  Powhatan,  the  friend  of  the  English,  was  dead.  Opeoan- 
canou^h,  a  chief  endowed  with  all  those  qualities  which  give 
rank  and  reputation  to  an  Indian  warrior,  had  succeeded  him  in 
his  influence  and  power,  but  he  was  the  secret  and  implacable 
enemy  of  the  whites.  By  his  art  and  eloquence,  he  united  all 
the  neighborhig  tribes  in  Uie  horrible  design  of  destroying  every 
man,  woman,  and  child  in  the  English  settlements. 

86.  The  plan  was  concerted  and  matured,  with  all  the  secrecy 
and  diMimiuatiQii  whkh  characterize  the  savages^  Wl\ile  luteal 


r. 


^t' 


1^2 


YIRGINU. 


on  th^plot,  they  visited  the  settlements,  lodged  in  the  houses^       * 
bought  arms  of  the  English,  and  even  borrowed  their  boats  to 
enable  them  to  accomplish  their  barbarous  purpose. 

89.  On  the  evening  before  the  fatal  day,  they  broi^^  them  i 

presento  of  game ;  and  the  next  morning  came  freely  amon§them, 
behaving  as  usual.  Suddenly,  precisely  at  mid-day^  the  blow  fell» 
at  the  same  instant,  upon  the  unsuspecting  settlers;  and  three 
hundred  and  forty-seven  men,  women,  and  children,  were  victims 
to*8avage  treachery  and  cruelty.  The  massacre  would  have  been 
more  extensive  had  not«  domesticated  Indian,  residing  in  one  of 
the  villages,  revealed  the  plot  to  hb  master,  whom  he  had  been 
solicited  to  murder.  Information  was  instantiy  i^ven  to  some  of 
the  nearest  settiements,  and  just  in  time' to  save-  them  from  the 
calamity  which  fell  upon  the  others. 

40.  The  horrid  spectacle  before  them  roused  the  English  from 
repose  to  vengeancci  A  vindictive  and  exterminating  war  suft- 
oeeded..  The  whites  were  victorious,  destroying  many  of  their 
enemies,  and  obliging  the  reminder  to  retire  far  into  the  wilder-' 
ness.  But  their  own  number  melted  away  before  the  miseries 
of  war;  their  settlements  were  reduced  from  eighty  to  eight,  and 
famine  agam  visited  them  with  its  afiUcting  scouj^.  In  1634, 
out  of  nine  thousand  persons,  who  had  been  sent  from  England^ 
but  ei|^teen  hundred  existed  in  the  colony. 

41.  These  contmualnUsfortuaes  attracted  the.attention  of  king 
James.  He  revoked  the  charter  which  ha  had  granted,  and 
committed  the  management  of  all  the  affairs  of  the  colony  to  a 
governor  and  twelve  counsellors,  who  were  <:o  be  appointed  by 
tiie  king  and  to  be  guided  b^r  his  instructions.  Of  these  instruc- 
tiomr,  those  concerning  tobacco,  the  principal  article  exported 
from  the  colony,  may  be  taken  as  a  sample.  It  was  ordained 
that  those  who  raised  it  should  not  themselves  be  permitted  to 
dispose  of  it,  but  should  export  it  to  England,  and  deliver  it  to 
certain  designated  agents ;  and  they  alone  were  authorized  to 
sell  it. 

42.  Under  such  arbitrary  regulations,  the  people  lived  azjd 
suffered,  until  the  year  1636,  when  sir  John  Harvey  held  the  '  f^i  ^ 
office  of  governor.     He  was  haughty,  rapacious,  unfeeling,  cf^ii 
fitted,  by  his  disposition,  to  exercise  power  in  the  true  qwrtt  of 

his  instructions.  Inl^'uned  to  madness  by  his  oppression!,  the 
Vii^nians,  in  a  fit  of  popular  rage,  seized  and  sent  him  a  prip 
soner  to  England.  At  the  same  time,  they  despatched  two  de- 
puties charged  to  repre^cat  the  grievances  of  the  colony  and  the 
governor's  miscou^t'ci. 

43.  Charles  the  (first  wlio  wan  thei;  king,  hidignant  at  the  vio- 
lent proceeding,  reol-'e^  ile  deputies  sternly,  and  sent  back  tho 


TIROtNtA. 


23 


gorifemor,  iinreslied  with  sdl  his  former  powers.  He  was,  how- 
eyeff  in  16i9,  succeeded  hj  Sir  William  Berkeley,  who  was  in- 
fltinwli^  t^o'^nt  to  allow  the  Yiigimans  to  elect  representatives. 
Such  wii.ttieir  gratitude  to  the  kmg  for  this  favor,  that  duiinff 
the  civfl  ilfwtB  between  him  and  his  parliament,  they  were  faithim 
to  the  royal  cause,  and  continued  fiiithful  even  after  he  was  de- 
tiiToned  and  his  son  driven  into  exile. 

44.  The  parliament,  irritated  by  this  conduct  of  the  Virginians, 
sent  sir  Geoige  A3rscne,  in  1652,  with  a  powerful  fleet,  to  r^uce 
them  to  submission.  Bericeley,  with  more  spurit  than  prudence, 
opposed  this  force ;  but  after  making  a  gallanit  resistance,  he  was 
obuged  to  }ie!<d.  He  ojbtained  the  most  favorable  terms  for  the 
colony,  but  asked  no  stipulations  in  his  own  fav^.  Withdraw- 
ing to  a  retired  sitoation,  he  lived  beloved  and  r^i||ected  by  the 
(>ec»ple.  ^ 

't  .45.  For  nine  years  afterwards,  governors  appoj^ed  by  Crom- 
well, continued  to  preside  over  the  colony.  But  U)#  predilection 
for  royalty,  which  the  inhabitants  had  displayed,  was  remember- 
ed, and  tliey  were  less  favored  than  those  of  New-England,  who, 
Utes  thepredonunant  party  in  Great  Britain,  were  republicans  in 
politics,  and  puritans  m  religion.  Arbitrary  restrictions  upon  the 
commerce  or  Yirginia  checked  its  prosperity,  and  produced  dis- 
content. At  lenffth,  the  sudden  death  of  governor  Matthews 
afforded,  to  the  adherents  of  the  royal  cause,  a  favorable  oppor- 
tunity, which  they  gladly  seized,  to  proclaim  Charles  the  second, 
and  to  invite  Berkdey  to  resume  the  authority  of  governor.  He 
consented,  requiring  only  their  solemn  promise  to  hazard  theUv 
lives  and  fortones  in  supporting  the  cause  they  had  espoused. 

46.  At  this  period,  no  intelligence  had  been  received  of  the 
death  of  Cromwell.  Fortunately  for  the  colony,  that  event 
happened  soon  after;  the  king  whom  they  had  proclaimed  was 
restored  to  the  throne ;  and  Virginia  fQr  a  long  tfane  boasted, 
that  ^e  was  the  last  of  the  British  dominions  that  submitt^  to 
Cromwell,  and  the  first  that  returned  to  her  allegiance. 

47.  Charies  the  second  confirmed  sir  William  Bericeley  in  the 
trfdcti  of  governor ;  but,  with  characteristic  ingratitude,  he  neg- 
lected the  interests  of  the  colony,  and  even  imposed  additional 
restrictions  upon  its  commerce.  He  also  granted  to  his&vorites 
large  trtets  or  land  which  belonged  to  the  colony.  These  hi- 
Junes,  inflicted  by  a  )mtd  which  ought  to  have  bestowed  favors, 
WQWidedthefedin^  nfthe  Yirgbuans,  and  produced  murmurs 
and  conmlaints.  No  idief  being  granted,  an  open  and  turbulent 
insurrection  was  te^^^isequence. 

48.  At  the  head  m  the  iusurfff«(ii,  was  Nathaniel  Bacon.  He 
was  a  lawyer,  educated  in  Lonaou,  mm!  was  appointed  a  member 


u 


VIRGINIA. 


of  the  eooBcil,  a  short  time  after  his  emigration  to  Tirgiulib 
He  was  young,  bold,  ambitious ;  his  person  engagmg,  and  his 
elocution  eommandirig^  He  harangued  the  citizens  upon  their 
grievances ;  inflamed  their  resentment  against  their  rulers)  de- 
claimed particularly  agahist  the  langour  with  which  the  war,  then 
existing  with  the  Indians,  had  been  conducted  {  and  such  was 
the  effect  of  his  representations,  that  he  was  elected  general  by 
the  peoplew 

49.  He  applied  to  the  governor  for  a  commission  confirming 
this  election,  and  ofHered  instantly  to  march,  at  the  head  of  the 
citizens,  against  the  savages.  Sir  William  indignantly  refused, 
and  issued  a  proclamation  commanding  the  insurgents  to  disperse. 
Bacon  had  advanced  too  far  to  recede  with  honor  or  safety.  He 
hastened,  at  the  head  of  six  hundred  armed  followers,  to  James- 
town, surrounded  the  house  where  the  governor  and  council 
were  assembled,  and  repeated  his  demand. 

50.  The  council,  intimidated  by  the  threats  of  the  enraged 
multitude,  hastily  prepared  a  commission,  and,  by  their  entreaties, 
prevailed  on  the  governor  to  sign  it.  Bacon  and  his  troops^  then 
began  their  march  against  the  Indians.  But  the  council,  when 
relieved  from  their  fearj,  declared  the  commission  void,  and 
proclaimed  him  a  rebel.  Enraged  at  this  conduct,  he  instantly 
returned,  with  all  his  forces,  to  Jamestown.  The  governor  fled, 
the  council  dispersed,  and  he  found  himself  in  possession  of 
inipreme  power.  To  give  it  some  show  of  legality,  he  called 
together  tne  most  considerable  gentlemen  in  tne  colony,  who 
bound  themsei;'es  by  oath  to  support  his  authority. 

61.  Some  districts  remained  faithful  to  Berkeley,  who  col- 
lected forces,  and  made  inroads  into  those  sections  whera  Bacon's 
authority  was  recognised.  The  latter  retaliated,  and  for  some 
months,  a  civil  war,  with  all  its  peculiar  horrors,  raged  in  Vii*- 
ginia.  Jamestown  was  burned,  and  some  of  ihe  finest  and  best 
cultivated  districts  were  laid  waste. 

62.  King  Charles,  informed  of  the  situation  of  affairs,  de- 
spatched a  body  of  troops  to  the  assistance  of  Berkeley.  Bacon 
and  his  followers,  unintlmidated  by  their  oppi^nnch,  determined 
to  oppose  them ;  but  when  prepared  to  take  tne  field,  this  daring 
and  successful  leader,  having  exercised  the  supreme  power  for 
seven  months,  sickened  and  died  ;  and  no  person  being  found 
among  the  insurgents  qualified  to  sunpiy  his  place,  as  the  genei-al 
of  an  army  or  as  a  popular  leader,  they  laid  down  their  arms  and 
dispersed. 

58.  Governor  Berkeley  again  assumed  the  supreme  Mithority^ 
and  finding  the  rebels  in  his  power,  pursued  them  with  unsparing 
rigor.     Many  were  tried  by  courts  martial,  and  executed.     Thfi 


%B 


tkiMiiiblr  biterfei^d,  fmffm  hlnr  to  atop  tlif  jMfc  ill  tMi^»  wnA 
enacted  laws  whi<ih  grMluaUj  restored  triaqHHfeii^  St^i^fffiBt, 
Sir  WiUiHn  returfted  to  fii^lfUBd,  «ad  fate  «i||||d«Mlvied  on 

tioB,  peace  was  eoochided  witbuo  Indiana |  ii»t.aatwithwtan<1t|ig 
the  tyrannical  reguhtiona  of  the  king,  jmmI  the  oppreasivib  re- 
strictions upon  commerce,  the  colony  incraased  in  weatth  uid 
pofralatioa.  In  the  year  1688,  the  number  of  Jnhnhltants  ex« 
ceeded  60,00Q. 

64.  Between  this  period  and  the  commencement  of  the  French 
Yvar  of  1766,  an  account  of  whii^  will  be  found  fai  a  subaequent 
cluster,  but  few  events  occurred  in  tlie  colony  of  sufficient  im- 
portance to  fi|id  a  place  in  histoiy.  Its  position,  remote  from 
the  settlements  of  tne  French  in  Canada,  and  of  the  Spaniards  in 
Florida,  was  favourable  to  its  quiet  New-£r:gland  and  New- 
York,  on  the  one  hand,  Georgia  and  the  CarolLuks  on  the  other, 
grotected  it  from  savage  incursions.  Its  affidrs  were  administered 
y  governom  appointed  by  the  king,  and  representatives  chosen 
by  the  people. 

66.  The  laudable  efforte  of  these  rebresentatlvei,  to  MTtti|  Aitf 
progress  of  shivery  in  the  colony,  ougnt  not  to  be  passed  over  In 
iiiience.  Convbeod  of  its  inhumanity,  and  foreseeing  the  dread- 
ful evils  which  it  must  produce,  they  often  pweed  lawaptohl^itbig 
the  importation  of  slaves ;  but  those  who  were  higfanr  in  autho- 
rity, yielding  to  the  wishes  of  merchants  engaged  hi  tiM  abomhui- 
ble  traffic^rsisted,  with  criminal  obeOnaey,  in  withholding  thehr 
Qssent.  Enffland,  not  America,  is  responsible  for  the  wretched- 
ness, which  her  kings  and  her  oSlmmw^n  oiUn  impoftuned, 
but  reAised,  to  avert. 


OHAPT£R  II. 


MABSACHUdETTS 


OF  «kt  two  eompanloi  ineerporatod  by  king  JimM,  an  Mooimt 
of  th«  proeeedhiii  and  dlsaolution  of  one,  and  a  hlilory  of  Am 
mIqm  It  foundM^W  been  ghren  b  tho  prto^ 
tki  tUMTi  or  PlgF«Miilh  oompany,  wm  aMlgnnd  t  portiw  ot  the 


ll 


HAS8ACHUSETT9. 

Amerieiii  conliiiinit  fying  fiurtlwr  to  the  north,  and  at  that  time 
caUfd  North  TlMinia. 

t.  The  laller,ln  1606,  the  year  fai  wfaleh  both  were  hicorpo- 
nted,  deepatehed  a  Mp  to  make  diseoveriea  within  the  limite  of 
iti  ffrant  Befiire  the  votage  was  completed,  ahe  waa  captured 
hf  &  Spaniards.  AnoOier  ship,  afterwards  sent  for  the  same 
purpose,  returned  with  such  a  favorable  account  of  the  territory 
that  tfw  eompany  was  encouraged  to  proceed  hi  the  undertaking. 

8.  The  next  year,  forty-five  men  were  sent  over  and  left  at  the 
mouth  of  the  river  Kennebec.  In  1608,  dimirited  by  the  hard- 
ships they  had  eikiured,  they  returned  to  England  in  ships  which 
haa  brought  them  provisions  and  succors.  The  company,  disap- 
pofaited  and  dissatbfied,  desisted  for  a  while  from  all  attempts  to 
eflbct  a  setUement. 

4.  In  1614,  John  Smith,  die  same  who  acted  a  conspicuous 
part  in  the  settlement  of  Virginia,  made  a  voyage  to  this  northern 
country,  touching  first  at  the  mouth  of  the  Kennebec.  Sailing 
thence,  hi  an  open  boat,  he  surveyed  the  coast  to  the  soudiem 
bpumkry  of  Massachusetts  bay.  The  northern  promontory  he 
named  TranbigEanda,  fan  honor  of  the  Turkish  lady  to  whom  he 
had  formei^  bMn  a  slave.  The  three  small  islands,  lying  near 
the  head  of  the  promontory,  he  called  the  Three  Turks'  Heads, 
in  memorr  of  his  victory  over  the  three  Turkish  champions. 
Both  appellations  have  been  changed  for  others.  On  his  returu 
to  Enc^uad,  he  presented  to  prince  Charies  a  map  of  the  counlr>', 
and  gave  him  such  a  glowhig  description  of  its  beauty  and  excel- 
lence, that  he,  fan  thewarmth  of  his  adndration,  declared  it  should 
bear  the  name  of  Niw-En olan d. 

5.  SmiUi  afterwards  made  an  attempt  to  transport  a  colony 
thidicr,  which  vnui  unsuccessftd ;  and  New-England  mlglit  long 
have  remained  thr  abode  of  wild  besats  and  savages  only,  had  not 
motives,  more  powerftd  than  the  (ove  of  nhi  or  of  perilous  ad- 
ventures, bnpelled  men,  dUfering  ISfom  all  others  who  had  been 
Uie  founders  of  colonies,  to  select  it  as  the  place  of  theU*  residence. 

6.  In  the  begfaudng  of  the  seventeenth  century,  Jaiyiaa  the  first 
aaaertf  d  and  maintained  a  deapotio  power  over  the  conaciences 
of  hla  Enriiah  aubieeta.  All  who  preaumed  to  diaaent  flx)m  the 
creed  whicn  he  had  adopted  were  peraecuted  with  extreme  rigor. 
In  Uiat  age,  the  maxim  waa  avowed  by  eocleaiaatica  of  all  aecta  as 
well  aa  politioiana,  that  uniformity  hi  religion  waa  eaaential  to  the 
repoae  of  aooiety,  and  that  it  waa  therefore  the  right  and  duty  of 
every  aovereign  to  oreaerve  It  hi  hto  domhiioni,  by  the  axwoiae 
of  all  hia  powera  or  reatraint  and  puniahment 

7.  But  free  inquiry  had  lately  received  auoh  an  Impulai  flrom 
the  succaia  of  Lutb'v  and  the  other  refomers,  that  the  etvi^ 


MASSACHUSETTS. 


37 


ind  at  thai  time 


nutfaority  waf  unable  to  arreit  or  cootroU  it  Yarioataeeli  aioae, 
dissenting  firom  the  established  religion,  and  all  dMngnlshed  by 
th^ir  democratic  tenets  renpec^  church  goviminent.  Pene- 
cuted  aft  home,  a  small  number,  belonging  to  ^  sect  which  were 
afterwaids  called  independents,  removed  to  L^den,  in  HoUand, 
whei«  they  formed  a  distinct  society  «nder  the  care  of  their  pas- 
tor, the  Rev.  John  Robinson.  O^v  their  rigid  virtues  and  exem- 
plary deportment,  they  acquired  tne  respect  of  the  magistrates 
and  citizens. 

8.  After  residing  several  yean  hi  that  city,  various  eonsldera- 
tions  induced  them  to  resolve  to  leave  it  In  1618,  they  applied 
to  the  London,  or  South  Virginia,  company,  for  a  srant  or  land 
in  America;  and  to  ensure  success,  they  observed,  <<  that  they 
were  well  weaned  from  the  delicate  milk  of  the  moUier  country, 
and  hiured  to  the  difficulties  of  a  strange  land ;  that  they  were 
l^nit  together  by  a  strict  and  sacred  bond,  by  virtue  of  which  they 
hdd  themselves  bound  to  take  care  of  the  good  of  each  other  &nd 
of  the  whole ;  that  it  viras  not  with  them  as  with  other  men,  whom 
small  tlUngs  could  discourage,  or  small  discontents  cause  to  wish 
themselves  home  again.'* 

9.  A  grant  was  obtained,  and  in  September,  1620,  a  part  of 
them  seft  sail  for  Hudson's  river ;  but  the  master  of  the  ship, 
bribed,  it  is  sakl,  by  the  Duteh,  who  claimed  the  sole  right  of 
tradinff  in .  that  quarter,  carried  them  farther  north,  and  the  first 
land  moj  discovered  was  Cape  Cod.  This,  they  were  aware, 
waslieyond  the  limits  of  the  London  company,  but  it  was  now 
November,  and  too  late  in  the  season  to  put  again  to  ses.  They 
thersAune  determhied  to  land  at  the  first  place  they  could  find 
suitable  for  a  settlement 

10.  Before  leaving  the  ship,  the  heads  of  famifies  and  flreemen, 
forty-one  in  number,  signed  a  solemn  covenant,  combining  them- 
selves into  a  body  politic  for  the  purpose  of  making  equal  lavrs 
for  the  general  good.  Thev  oraained  that  a  governor  and  as- 
sistants uiould  be  annually  chosen,  but  the  sovereign  power  re- 
mauied  in  the  whole  body  of  freemen.  John  Carver  was  elected 
governor. 

11.  On  the  1 1th  of  December,  [0.  8.]  they  landed  on  a  deso- 
late coast  Sterile  sands  and  gloomv  forests  were  Uie  only  ob- 
jects that  met  their  view.  The  seventy  of  the  cold,  mater  than 
they  had  ever  experienced,  admonished  them  to  seek  protection 
against  it  \  and  their  first  employment  viras  the  erection  of  hute 
in  the  most  convenient  and  sheltered  situations.  In  these  miser* 
able  abodes  thev  passed  the  winter,  those  at  least  who  survived  it 
By  the  saeceeding  spring,  one  hair  of  their  number  had  perished, 


28^ 


mMs^kcnCBrrfii 


exbauated  by  ecmtinupl  wtdCatagf  and  bj  Ae  pnvatfoik  of  eveiy 
wdrtd^  comrort  which  they  had  been  aeeaMomed  to  ei^. 
^  '    12.  Their  settlement  was  fonnd  to  be  witfiia  tike  Kirnte 

I  Pljrmottlll  «ommai]r  from^which  tfaej  eolieHed  and  obtained  a 

of  land ;  Biit  they  were  never  incorporated  by  the  Idng. 
called  the^  place  New-Plythouth.     They  olton  received 
addttions  to  their  number^  which,  in  1680|  amounted  to 
three  hundred. 

18.  In  the  mean  tbne,  the  same  causes  that  drove  Mr.  Robin- 
son and  hia  congregation  6rom  England  liad  continued  to  qperate. 
A  clasB  of  dissenters,  denominated  puritans  from  the  austerity  of 
their  manners,  and  from  their  claims  to  superior  purity  in  wcnrship 
and  discipline,  had  becQme  numerous ;  and  as,  by  ^ir  new  mode 
df  worship,  they  violated  ^  laws  of  the  land,  thev  were  prose- 
cuted as  criminals.  Their  Adth  was  confirmed  and  their  teal  in- 
creased by  thefar  sufferings;  and  having  learned  that  complete  re- 
ligious freedom  was  enjoved  at  New-rlymouth,  in  Amenm,  they 
naturally  directed  their  tnougfats  to  that  country,  as  a  secure  asy- 
lum from  persecution. 

14.  In  1627,  an  association  of  puritans,  residing  at  Dorchester 
ind  the,  vicinity,  was  formed  for  we  purpose  of  planting  a  colony^ 
in  New-England,  to  which  they  and  their  brethren  might  repair, 
and,  in  seclusion  and  safety,  worship  God  accordhig  to  the  dic- 
tates of  conscience^  They  obtaineo  from  the  Plymouth  compa^ 
ny,  a  grant  of  the  territory,  idiich  now  constitotes  a  oart  of  the 
state  of  Massachusetts,  and  sent  over,  under  the  direetion  of 
John  Endicott,  a  small  number  of  people,  to  berin  a  plantation. 
Theae,  in  SepCember,  landed  at  a  place  called,  by  the  Indians, 
Naumkeak,  and,  by  themselves,  Salem. 

15.  The'next  year,  they  obtained  a  charter  firom  the  crown,  by 
which  the  usual  powers  of  a  corporation  were  conferred  upon  the 
orantees,  by  the  name  of  the  **  Governor  and  Company  of  Massa- 
ehuietta  Bay,  In  NewwEngland.**  it  ordained,  tnat  the  officers 
of  the  company  should  be  a  Governor,  a  deputy  Governor,  and 
eighteen  assistants,  to  be  named,  In  the  first  instance,  by  the  crown, 
MM  afterwards  eleioted  by  the  corporation.  Four  stated  meetings 
of  all  the  members  were  to  be  held  annually,  under  the  denomi- 
nation of  the  General  Court,  at  which  they  were  authorlaed  to 
•dmK  flreemen  or  members,  and  to  make  aueh  ordinaneet  or  laws, 
not  repuffnant  to  the  laws  of  England,  as  they  might  deem  expe- 
dient. The  colonists,  and  their  desoendanta,  were  dedarad  to 
be  entitled  to  all  the  rights  oi'  natoral  bom  EngMah  aubjeota. 

16.  At  a  Gtoneral  Court,  held  at  London,  in  162^  the  offleers 
loriierlbed  hf  the  charter,  were  eleotodi  and  aeverel  onNnMicei 


MASSACHUSETTS.  M 

were  adopted  for  the  government  of  the  company*  Three 
hundred  people  were  sent  over,  of  whom  one  hundred,  disntiflfied 
with  the  situation  of  Salem,  removed  to  Chariestown.  Religion 
was  the  first  object  of  tfieir  care  in  the  country  the^  had  ado]^. 
A  roUgious  covenant  was  agreed  upon,  and  a  confession  of  fidth 
drawn  up,  to  which  their  assent  was  given.  Pastors  were  chosen, 
and  were,  from  necessity,  installed  into  their  sacred  offices  by 
the  hnpoeition  of  the  hands  of  the  brethren. 

17.  The  ensuing  winter  was  a  period  of  uncommon  suffering 
and  sickness.  The  cold  was  intense ;  the  houses  were  unfinished ; 
the  provisions  were  insufficient  and  unwholesome.  Before 
spring,  nearly  half  their  number  perished,  **  lamenting  that  they 
could  not  live  to  see  the  risbff  glories  of  the  faithfiil.*> 

18.  These  calamities  had  some  effect  in  deterr^:  others 
from  joiidng  them ;  but  the  consideration  that  the  general  courts 
were  hdd,  ue  officers  elected,  and  the  laws  enacted,  in  London, 
had  still  greater  influence.  It  did  not  comport  with  the  views 
and  feelings  of  those  who  disdahied  to  submit  to  authority  In 
matters  of  faitfi,  to  consent  to  remove  to  the  new  worid,  and 
there  be  governed  by  laws  which  they  could  have  no  part  in 
enacting.  Representations  to  this  effect  were  made  to  the  com- 
pany, who  resdved  that  the  government  and  patent  should  be 
removed  to  Massachusetts. 

19.  This  wise  resolution  gave  such  encouragement  to  emlgrap 
tion,  that,  in  1680,  more  than  fifteen  hundred  persons  came  over, 
aoA  fbunded  Boston  and  several  adjacent  towns.  Of  these  per- 
sons, dU  were  respectable,  and  many  were  from  illuatrioiM  and 
noble  families.  Havhig  been  accustomed  to  a  life  of  ease  and 
enjoyment,  their  sufferings,  the  first  year,  were  great,  and  proved 
fatal  to  mamr ;  among  omers,  to  the  lady  Arabella,  who,  to  use 
the  words  of  an  eariv  historian  of  the  country,  "  came  ftmn  a 
paradise  of  plenty  and  pleasure,  in  the  family  of  a  noble  earl,  into 
a  wildemeiB  of  wants ;  and  although  eelebrated  for  her  many 
virtues,  yet  was  not  able  to  encounter  the  adversi^  she  was  sur- 
rounded with ;  and,  in  about  a  month  after  her  arrival,  she  ended 
her  days  at  Ssdem,  where  she  first  landed.*'  Mr.  Johnson,  her 
husband,  overoome  with  grief,  survived  her  but  a  short  time. 

80.  Before  December,  two  hundred  perished.  On  the  Mth 
of  tint  month,  the  cold  becam^  hitense.  Such  a  Chrkmiis  ert 
they  had  never  before  known.  Yet  the  inclemenoy  of  the 
weather  continued  to  increase.  They  were  ahnoat  deetHute  of 
pNiHsiona,  and  many  were  obliged  to  subsist  on  elans,  mv^olef , 
and  other  shell  fish,  with  nuts  and  «ooms  Inslsfd  of  bvead. 
Many  more  died ;  but  in  this  extremitj,  that  ai^or  of  oenvlotion 
iHtlch  ImpeUtd  them  to  emlgrale,  remahiAd  la  full  force,  and 


^'^&. 


30 


MASSACHUSETTS^ 


&     1 


\ 


I 


they  met)  ivith  a  firm,  unshaken  spirit^  the  calamities  which  aa- 
sailed  them. 

21.  One  great  object  of  the  pm^tans,  in  retiring  to  the  unoc- 
cupied regions  of  JN'ew-England,  ivas  the  establldim«:it  of  a 
religious  commonwealth,  as  nearly  upon  the  model  of  that  of  the 
Jews  as  the  difference  of  chrcumstances  would  admit.  To  ac^ 
complish  this  object,  they  deemed  it  necessary,  and  at  a  general 
couil,  held  in  1631,  Uiey  ordained,  that  none  but  those  who  had 
made  a  proi^ion  of  religion,  and  had  become  members  of  some 
church,  should  be  admitted  members  of  the  corporation,  or  enjoy 
the  privilege  of  voting. 

22.  Tbfo  law  has  been  too  severely  censured  by  those  who 
have  lived  in  more  liberal  and  enlightened  times.  It  contradicted 
none  of  the  professions  of  the  puritans.  It  was  hi  strict  accordance 
with  the  avowed  motives  of  their  emigration.  It  exhibited  less 
hitolerance  than  was  then  displayed  by  every  other  nation.  It 
violated  the  rights  of  no  one,  for  no  one  could  claim  a  right  to 
come  into  the  territory  which  they  had  purchased.  And  it  was 
doubtless  essential,  such  was  then  the  temper  of  men's  minds,  to 
the  repose  of  their  little  society. 

23.  Tlie  colonists  had  frequently  been  alarmed,  but  never  vet 
attacked,  by  the  Indians.  These  wei^  not,  in  fact,  in  a  condition 
to  do  much  injury.  A  few  years  before  the  arrival  of  the  Eng- 
lish, a  contagious  distemper  swept  away  a  great  number,  almost 
exterminating  several  tribes.  In  1683,  the  small  pox  destroyed 
many  who  had  survived  Uie  pestilence ;  and  the  territoiy,  conti- 
guous to  the  first  settlements  of  the  English,  seemed  to  have  been 
providentially  made  vacant  for  their  reception.  As  an  attack 
I'rom  this  quarter  was,  however,  possible,  and  as  the  French, 
who  had  a  trading  estdiilfaihment  at  Acadia,  had  ducovered  som« 
symptoms  of  hostility,  it  was  thought  advisable  to  ensct  fortifica> 
tions  at  Boston,  and  other  places,  and  to  open  a  correspondence 
with  their  neighbours  at  New-Plymouth. 

24.  So  far  from  the  capital  had  the  settlements  extended,  that 
it  was  found  extremely  inconvenient  for  all  the  freemen  to  as» 
nemble  and  transact  the  necessary  puUic  business.  In  1684,  the 
mode  of  leffislation  was  altered,  by  Uie  general  consent  of  the 
towns.  They  delegated  to  twenty-four  representatives  the 
authority  granted,  by  the  charter^  to  the  whole  body  of  fireemcn. 
This  important  alteration  was  adopted  the  more  readily,  as  the 
tffnigrants  had  been  fluniliar,  in  their  native  countrv,  with  the 
iDpreaentatlve  system.  The  appellation  of  General  Court,  which 
IumI  been  applied  to  til  tl^  freemen  when  assembled,  wu  aow 
transferredfto  their  repmsentatlves. 

W^  ^  the  Mtneyeer,  Roger  WlUlnnii  the  miniitfr  of  fi«l^ 


MASSACHUSETTS. 


di 


having  occaidoned  dbturttances,  by  advimeing  tenets  considered 
not  onlF  heretical  but  seditious^  and  being  found  irredalinable, 
nras  ordered  to  leave  the  colony.  He  retired  to  RehoboA|  wlbich 
was  then  within  the  jurisdiction  of  Plymouth. 

26.  In  1685,  Massachusetts  received  from  England  a  lai^ 
number  of  inhabitants,  and  among  them  came  two  who  afterwards 
acted  conspicuous  parts  in  the  affairs  of  their  oibtive  country. 
One  was  Hug^  reters,  who  was  sul>sequently  a  chi^ldn  of 
Oliver  Cromwell ;  the  other  was  Mr.  Vane,  afterwards  Sii' 
Henry  Yane.  The  latter  was  but  twenty-five  years  of  age ;  but 
by  his  show  of  great  humilitv,  his  grave  aiid  solemn  deportment, 
and  his  ardent  professions  of  attachment  to  liberty,  he  stole  Uie 
hearts  of  the  puritans,  and,  the  year  after  his  arrival,  was  made 
governor  of  the  colony. 

97.  His  populari^,  however,  was  transient.  During  his  ad- 
ministration, the  celebrated  Mrs.  Hutchinson,  a  woman  ivho  was 
distinguished  for  her  eloquence,  and  had  imbil>ed  the  enthusiasm 
of  the  affe,  instituted  weekly  meetings  for  persons  -  of  her  own 
sex,  in  mAch  she  commented  on  tibe  sermons  of  the  preceding 
Sunday,  and  advanced  certain  mystical  and  extravagant  doctrines. 
These  spread  rapidly  among  the  people,  and  many  liecame 
converts. 

28.  Governor  Vane,  with  Mr.  Cotton  and  Mr.  Wheelwright, 
two  distinguished  clergymen,  embraced  them  with  ardor ;  but 
lieutenant  governor  Wintlurop,  and  a  msgority  of  the  churches, 
deemed  them  heretical  and  seditious.  Great  excitement  was 
produced  among  the  people;  many  conferences  were  held;  public 
fasts  were  sqppmntea;  a  general  synod  was  summoned;  and  after 
much  intemperate  discussion,  her  opinions  were  determined  to 
?jc  erroneous,  and  she  and  some  of  her  adherents  were  banished 
from  die  colony. 

39.  Not  being  again  chosen  governor,  Yane  returned  in  dis- 
gust tQ  England,  engaged  ih  the  civU  ware,  which  soon  after 
afflicted  that  country,  sustained  high  offioea  In  the  republican 
party,  and,  after  the  restoration  of  Charles  H,  was  accused  of 
olgh  treason,  convicted  and  executed.  PMers  pursued  a  similar 
career,  and  met  with  the  same  fate. 

80.  In  such  high  repute,  at  this  time,  were  the  settlements  Ia 
Maasachusetti,  that  otner  Englishmen,  il\U  more  conspicuous, 
Uad  determined  to  leave  their  nathre  land,  that  they  might  enjoy, 
in  a  desert,  Uie  civil  and  religious  liberty  whieh  wai  denied  them 
at  home.  Among  these  were  Mr.  Hambden,  Sir  Arthur  HiMhrig, 
and  Oliver  Cromwell,  whom  king  Ohailei^  bv  expmiB  erder,  de-* 
talned,  whea  on  the  poUit  of  embarking.  LlHle  dM  he  hMMlna 
tey  hf  tbk  »8t  ef  lAkrary  power,  he  kept  witkli  hli  klDgdom 


32 


MASSACHUSETTS. 


th^se  restless  votaries  of  fireedonii  who  ivere  destined  to  overturn 
his  throne,  and  bring  his  head  to  the  block. 

3},  By  the  settlement  of  Massachusetts,  the  at^ntion  of  emi- 
grants was  diverted  fromlhe  colony  of  Plymouth,  where  the  soil 
was  less  ferttte.  It  nevertheless  continued  to  increase,  although 
slomy,  hi  pqralation.  In  1633,  the  government  of  that  colony 
built  a  traduig  home,  near  Hartford,  which  was  the  firat  buildmg 
erected  whhfai  the  boundaries  of  Connecticut.  Soon  after,  many 
persons  repahred  thither  from  Massachusetts.  In  1686,  Rt^er 
Williams  laid  the  foundation  of  Rhode  Idand.  SubsequenUy, 
New-HampsUre  and  New-Haven  were  founded,  which  increas- 
ed to  five  the  number  of  colonies  in  New-England. 

82.  The  rapid  progress  of  the  English  settlements,  excited  the 
Jealousy  of  the  natives.  They  had  welcomed,  without  fear,  the 
emigrants  who  firstlanded,  not  anticipaUng  their  future -encroach- 
ments. The  e)q>erience  of  a  few  years  convkiced  them  that  they 
must  either  exterminate  these  invaders  of  their  country^  or  be 
themselves  exterminated. 

88.  Within  the  boundaries  of  Rhocle  Island  and  Connecticut, 
lived  two  warlike  tribes,  the  Pequods  and  Narragansets.  The 
former  were  hostile,  the  latter  friendly,  to  the  whites.  Between 

';  '  the  ttvo  tribes  an  hiveterate  enmitv  existed ;  but  the  more  saga- 
cious and  politic  Pequods  proposed  that  all  animosities  should  be 
K^.  ^  forgotten,  and  theh-  united  sirength  directed  against  their  inva- 
y^  y  ders,  before  they  had  become  too  strong  to  be  resisted.  At  first 
the  Narrngansets  wavered,  but  their  hatred  of  the  Pequods  over- 
powered the  suggestions  of  policy.  They  disclosed  the  proposal 
to  the  English,  and  hivited  them  to  join  b  a  war  against  theu* 
common  enemy. 

34.  The  colonies  were  roused  to  a  sense  of  thehr  danger.  In 
1687,  Massachusetts,  Plymouth,  and  Connecticut,  agreed  to  unite 
their  forces,  and  attempt  the  entire  destruction  of  me  Pequods. 
Captahi  Mason,  with  Mjrifty  men,  principally  from  Connecticut, 
ana  three  hundred  MtSfy  Indians,  was  immediately  sent  into 
the  country  of  the  enemv.  Early  in  die  mornhig  of  the  26th  of 
May,  he  attacked  one  of  the  principal  villages,  which  had  been 
surrounded  with  pallisades.  The  resistance  was  brave  and  ob- 
stinate, and  the  issue  of  the  battle  for  some  thne  doubtfUl  i  but 
the  whitee,  forcing  their  wav  into  the  enclosure,  set  fire  to  the 
wigwams,  and  then,  retreating  a  short  distance,  surrounded  the 
town.  Many  of  the  Indians  perilled  in  the  flames ;  oUien  were 
'  shot,  in  their  attempts  to  flee.  Of  five  or  she  hundred,  withhi  the 
enclosure,  but  few  escaped.  The  English  troops,  of  whom  two 
were  Idlled  and  sixteen  wounded,  returned  in  triumph  to  Hartford. 

89.  InJuneiiAother  body  of  troops,  prinoipalfyfiromMasta* 


.i;.,.d=. 


1  to  overturn 


MASSACHUSETTS.  at 

cliusetts,  marched  into  the  enemy's  eountiy,  surrounded  a  swamp, 
into  which  a  party  of  them  had  retired,  and  took  eigfatj  captive. 
Some  escaping,  uey  were  pursaed  to  another  swamp,  situated 
near  New-Haven,  Where  the  whole  strength  of  the  tril>e  was 
collected.  This  was,  in  like  manner,  surrounded ;  a  sharp  con- 
test ensued ;  but  the  whites  were  again  victorious.  Two  hundred 
Pequods  were  killed  or  made  prbonws^  The  remainder  fled 
to  tlie  country  of  the  Mohawks.  The  brilliant  success  of  the 
English,  in  this  first  and  short  war  with  the  natives,  gave  the  neigh- 
boring tribes  such  an  exalted  idea  of  their  prowess,  that,  for  near- 
ly forty  years,  they  were  neither  attacked  nor  molested. 

36.  Ten  years  had  noW  elapsed  sfaice  the  first  settlement  was 
made  at  Salem.  It  has  been  computed  that,  within  that  time, 
twenty-one  thousand  persons  arrived  in  Massachusetts.  The 
dissent^^  In  England  havfaig  obtained  the  ascendancy  in  the  go- 
vernment, 8^1  motives  for  emigration  ceased ;  and  it  is  supposed 
that,  for  many  years  afterwards,  more  persons  returned  to  Eng- 
land, than  came  from  England  to  the  colonies. 

37.  Such,  however,  were  the  character  and  virti\es  of  the  emi- 
grants ;  such  the  power  over  difficulties  which  their  resolute 
minds,  and  bodies  hardened  by  labor,  had  imp«rted  to  them,  that 
they  continued  to  increase,  with  astonishing  ri^tidity,  fat  wealUi 
and  numbera.  And  a  vote  of  the  house  of  commons,  stating  that 
**  the  plantations  in  New-England  had  had  good  and  prosperous 
success,  without  any  public  charge  to  the  state,'*  is  quoted,  by  a 
historian  of  those  times,  as  an  honorable  testiiaiony  of  the  high 
merit  of  Uie  colonists. 

88.  Circumstances  and  events  had  already  impressed  a  charac-> 
ter  upon  them,  whidi,  though  softened  in  its  worst  features  by 
the  progress  of  refinement,  still  distinguishes  their  descendants. 
Persecution  made  them  bigots;  piety  made  them  moral ;  pov^i^ 
made  them  frugal ;  incessant  toil  made  them  hardy  and  robust ; 
draary  solitudes  made  them  gloomy  and  superstitious ;  their  nu- 
merous clergy  and  well  educated  leaders,  made  them  venerate 
literature  and  the  sciences. 

39.  Four  of  Uie  New-England  colonies,  Massachusetts,  Con- 
necticut, Plymouth,  and  New-Haven,  apprehending  danger  from 
the  Indians,  IVom  tlie  Dutch,  at  New-Tork,  and  from  the  French, 
at  Acadia,  formed.  In  1643,  a  firm  and  perpetual  league,  ofienedve 
nnd  defensive.  By  tiie  articles  of  this  league,  each  colony  was  to 
appobit  two  commissioners,  who  were  to  assemble,  by  rotation, 
in  the  respective  colonies,  and  were  empowered  to  enact  ordi- 
nances of  general  concern ;  and,  in  case  of  invasion,  each  colony 
was  bound,  upon  the  application  of  three  magistrates  of  the  in- 
vaded colony,  to  furnish  as^pulated  proportloii  of  men  tn4  money. 


34 


MASSACHUSETTS. 


40.  Strengthened  by  this  league,  the  colonies  were  respected 
bj  their  civilized  and  savage  neighbors.  With  the  French,  un- 
der D'Aulney,  Massachusetts  jiad  a  long  and  troul)le8ome  dis- 
pute; which  was  adjusted,  in  1644,  by  a  treaty  made  by  governor 
Endicott,  and  afterwards  ratified  by  the  conunissioners. 
^  41.  When  representatives  were  first  chosen,  Uiey  sat  and  voted 
in  the  same  chamber  wiUi  the  assistants.  In  1636,  when  Mr. 
Hooker  applied  for  permission  to  form  a  settlement  on  Connecti- 
cut river,  a  majority  of  the  assistants  voted  against  granting  per- 
mission; but  a  majority  of  the  whole  as^mbly  in  favor' of  it. 
The  representatives  contended  that  a  msyorityof  the  assistants 
was  not  necessary,  and  that  the  vote  had  passed  in  the  affirma- 
tive. The  assistants  claimed  to  be  a  distinct  branch  of  the  legis- 
lature, and  contended  that  it  had  passed  in  the  negative. 

42.  No  provision  having  been  made  for  a  case  of  this  kind,  an 
adjournment,  for  a  week,  took  place ;  a  public  fast  was  appoint- 
ed, and  the  divine  direction  implored  in  all  the  congre«i^on6. 
When  the  assembly  again  met,  a  sermon  was  preached,  oy  Mr. 
Cotton,  which  induced  the  representatives  to  yield  to  the  clBdm 
of  the  assistants.  In  1644,  the  dispute  was  renewed,  and  the 
assistants  were  again  victorious.  The  representatives  then  pro- 
posed that  the  two  classes  should  sit  apart,  and  form  distinct  bo* 
dies,  and  in  this  proposition  the  assistant^  concurred. 

48.  The  contest  between  the  king  and  parliament,  at  length 
resulted  in  open  war ;  and  the  New-England  coloniris,  actuated 
by  the  same  feelinff  as  the  puritans  in  England,  embraced,  with 
ardor,  die  cause  of  the  latter.  The  parliament  ;'ewarded  this 
attachment,  by  exempting  them  from  all  taxes ;  and  when  the  su- 
preme  authority  devolved  upon  Cromwell,  as  protector  of  the 
liberties  of  England,  th^y  found  in  him  a  friend  no  less  shicere 
and  zealous. 

44.  After  the  conquest  of  Ireland,  he  invited  them  to  return 
and  settle  in  that  countiy;  and,  subsequently,  having  conquered 
Jamaica,  lie  endeavored  to  persuade  them  to  remove  to  that  fer- 
tile island,  and  more  genial  climate.  But  his  arguments  and  so- 
licitations were  unavailing.  They  enjoyed,  in  their  present  abode, 
complete  religious  freedom,  and  that  privilege  they  were  unwil- 
ling to  hazanl  in  pursuit  of  advantages  less  essential  to  their 
happiness. 

-  45.  In  1641,  tne  settlements  in  New-IIampshh«  were  incor- 
porated with  Massachusetts.  And,  in  1652,  the  hihabitants  of 
the  province  of  Maine  were,  at  their  own  request,  taken  under 
her  protection.  This  province  had  been  granted  to  Shr  Ferdi- 
nand Gorges,  who,  in  1689,  first  established  a  government  over 
it.    In  1640,  a  general  court  was  held  at  Saco*   Upon  the  death 


I^IASSACHUSETTS. 


n 


Ok  the  proprietor,  in  1649,  most  of  tile  officers  whom  he  had 
appointed,  deserted  it,  and  the  people  found  it  necesssaTy  to  re- 
sort elsewhere  for  protection* 

46.  In  1656,  several  Quakers  arrived  in  the  Colony.  In  this 
age  of  enthuriasts,  tiiese  sectarians  surpassed  dl  others  in  en&u- 
siasm.  Their  behavior  was  rude,  contemptuous,  and  disorderiy* 
They  reviled  masistrates  and  ministen,  and,  entering  churches 
on  the  Sabbath,  disturbed  the  solemnities  of  public  worship.  For 
these  offences  they  were  first  imprisoned,  and  then  banished.  A 
law  was  passed  prohibiting  Quakers  firom  coming  into  the  colony, 
imposing  tiie  pensJty  of  banishment  upon  the  first  offence,  and  of 
deadi  upon  such  as  should  return  after  bani^ment.  Four,  who 
were  so  infatuated  as  to  return  and  obtrude  themselves  upon  the 
notice  of  die  government,  suffered  the  death  which  they  appeared 
to  seek*  Tms  cruel  and  impolitic  bw  was  soon  afterwards  re- 
pealed. 

47.  Cromwell,  who  had  governed  England  with  greater  ability 
and  higher  merit  than  most  of  her  kmgs,  died  in  1658,  and  after 
an  interval  of  two  years,  Charles  the  second,  a  prince  destitute 
of  honor  and  virtue,  was  recalled  from  exile  and  placed  upon  the 
throne.  He  was  reluctantly  acknowledged  by  the  colonies  of 
New-England.  They  had  been  the  favorites  of  the  pariiament, 
and  the  protector,  and  apprehended,  with  good  reason,  the  loss  of 
their  civil  and  reUgious  privileges. 

48.  A  short  time  after,  WhsJIey  and  Goffe,  two  of  the  judges 
who  had  sentenced  Charles  the  fintt  to  be  beheaded,  havinv  fled 
before  the  return  of  his  successor,  arrived  in  New-En^and. 
Their  first  place  of  residence  was  Cambridge ;  but  they  often  ap« 
peared  pubuclv  in  Boston,  particularly  on  Sundaya  and  other  days 
of  religious  solemnities.  They  had  sustdned  high  nude  in  Crom* 
well's  army,  were  men  of  uncommon  talents,  and,  by  dieir  digni- 
fied manners  and  grave  deportment,  commanded  uzdversal  respecti 

49.  As  soon  as  it  was  known  that  they  were  excepted  from  the 
general  pardon,  the  governor  suggested  to  the  court  of  assistants 
the  expediency  of  arresting  them.  A  minority  opposed  it,  and 
many  members  of  the  general  court  gave  them  assurances  of 
protection.  Considerins  themselves,  however,  unsafe  at  Cam- 
bridge, they  removed  to  New-Haven,  where  they  were  received 
with  great  respect  by  the  dergv  and  magistrates. 

50.  After  a  short  residence  there,  eiuoving,  in  private,  the  so* 
ciety  of  Aeir  friends,  the  governor  of  Massachusetts  received  a 
mandate  to  arrest  them.  A  warrant  was  immediately  Issued,  au- 
thorishig  two  zealous  royalists  to  search  for,  and  seige  them, 
wherever  found,  \n  New-England.  They  hastened  to  the  colony 
of  New-HairoDi  exhibited  the  warrant  to  tfie  goremor,  who  re« 


ae 


])iA$sACHm£i?m 


sided  at  Guilford,  and  requesled  him  toiii|nii8h  authoriiy  and  as* 
Htstxatsi  to  panne  iibiem,  Demrous  of  ^lyoring  tibe  ejdles,  he 
affected  to  delflben^  until  the  next  morning,  and  then  ntteriy  de- 
clined acting  offieiaHf,  without  the  advice  of  his  councU. 

61.  In  tte  mean  tiune,  ^ttey  were  «pfitiz9d  of  tli^  danger, 
and  rethred  to  a  new  place  of  conceahnent  The  pnisuers,  on 
arriving  at  NewHaven,  searched  every  suspected  house,  except 
ihe  one  where  the  ju<%e8  were  eonceakd.  This  they  begaQ  to 
search,  but  were  induced,  by  the  address  of  the  mistress  of  ii,  to 
desist  IVhen  the  pursuers  had  departed,  the  judges,  retiring 
into  the  woods,  fixed  theur  abode  in  a  cave. 

53.  Having  there  heard  that  their  friends  were  threatened 
with  punishment,  for  having  afforded  them  protection,  they  came 
from  theur  hiding  place  for  the  puipose  of  delivering  themselves 
up;  but  their  friends,  actuated  by  feelmgs  equally  noble  and 
generous,  persuaded  them  to  relinquish  their  intention.  Soon 
after,  they  removed  to  Milford)  where  they  remained  about  two 
years. 

53.  Upon  the  arrival  of  oUier  persons,  instructed  to  appre- 
bend  them,  they  repaired  privately  to  Hadley,  in  Massachusetts, 
where  they  resided  fifteen  or  sixteen  years,  but  few  persons  being 
acquainted  wiUi  the  place  of  their  conceahnent.  There  is,  in 
that  neighboriiood,  a  tradition,  that  many  years  aftierwards  two 
graves  were  discovered  in  the  minister's  cdlar ;  and  in  these,  it 
was  supposed,  they  had  been  mterred.  At  New-Haven,  two 
graves  are  shown,  said  to  be  those  of  the  two  judges.  It  ^  not 
improbable  that  their  remains  were  removed  to  wis  place  from 
Hadley. 

M.  A  singular  mcident  which  occurred  at  tibe  latter  i^ace,  in 
1675,  shows  that  one  of  these  illustrious  exiles  had  not  forgotten 
the  avocations  of  his  youth.  The  people,  at  the  time  of  public 
worship,  were  alarmed  -by  an  attack  from  the  Indians,  and 
thrown  into  the  utmost  confusion.  Suddenly,  a  grave,  elderly 
person  appeared,  differing  in  his  mien  and  dress  from  aU  around 
him.  He  put  ^lelf  at  thobr  head,  rallied,  encouraged,  and  led 
them  against  the  enemv,  who  were  repulsed  and  completely  de- 
feated. As  suddenly,  ttie  deliverer  of  Hadley  disoppeared.  The 
people  wei«  lent  fai  amazement,  and  many  verily  hdieved  that  an 
angel  sent  from  heaven  had  led  them  to  victory. 

65.  Their  treatment  of  the  Idng's  judges,  and  hi  truth  a]l  theh: 
conduct,  evinced  the  republican  i^irit  of  the  coloniitfl.  By  the 
royal  govemment  '>f  England,  they  could  not,  thereCare,  be  re- 
garded wMi  favor.  In  1668,  it  was  enacted,  that  no  European 
commodity  should  be  imported  hito  the  colonies,  unless  shipped 
directly  from  England,  and  in  Britiih  vessels.    By  tUs  regular 


MAdSACHUSKl'TS. 


ST 


tioD)  in  connectioil  vvitb  others  diat  had  been  previously  made, 
all  tiie  tanuae  ot  the  colonies  was  secured  to  the  mother  countiy. 
They  subndtted  i^uctautly  to  these  restrictions,  and  ofl^n  made 
theth  die  subject  of  complsihit.  But  £iigland,  believing  Uiat 
they  augmented  her  Wealth  and  power,  obflibiately  reiiksed  to  re< 
peal  them.      ,        .    • 

56.  In  I66i4,^e  king  despatched  fotur  commissioners  to  visit 
the  several  colonic  in  New-England,  to  examine  into  then' 
condition,  to  hear  and  decide  complaints,  and  to  make  to  him  a 
repfixt  of  their  pt^eedings  and  observations.  This  measure  was 
dictated  by  no  friendny  motive,  and  was  considered  by  the  colo- 
nies as  a  violation  of  their  chatters. 

57.  The  &fst  s6s^ion  of  the  commissioners.was  at  Plymouth, 
whei^  but  litttis  business  was  transacted ;  the  next  m  Rhode- 
Tsland,  Vfrhere  they  heard  complaints  from  the  Indians,  and  all 
who  were  discoiJ^nted,aiidn^e  divers  determinations  respecting 

\  titles  to  land,  which  vr^te  but  little  regarded.     In  Massachusetts, 

;  the  general  couKt  complied  with  suieh  of  their  requisitions  as  they 

thoi^^t  proper ;  but,  pi*ofessing  sincet«  loyalty  to  his  majes^, 

decUued  alcniotvled{g^  thi^  au^ori^,  and  protested  against  the 

exercise  of  ft  Within  their  liifiitb. 

58.  lin  consequence  of  this  manly  assertion  of  their  chartered 
lights,  an  angry  correspondence  took  place  between  them,  at  the 
close  of  which  the  cottimission^ni  petulantly  told  the  general 
court,  "that  they  would  lose  no  more  of  thehr  labors  upon  them," 
but  would  represent  their  conduct  to  his  majesty. 

59.  FVom  Boston,  Uie  commissioners  proceeded  to  New- 
Hampshire,  where  th^  exercised  several  acts  of  government, 
and  offered  to  release  the  iuhabitants  from  the  jurisdiction  of 
Massachusetts.  This  offer  wiu  almost  unanimously  rejected. 
!n  Mabe,  they  excited  more  dIstWbance.  They  encouraged  the 
people  to  declare  themselves  independent,  and  found  many  dis- 
posed to  listen  to  their  suggestions;  but  Massachusetts,  by  a 
prompt  and  vigorous  exertion  of  power,  constrained  the  disaf*- 
fected  to  subnut  to  her  authority. 

60.  Connecticut  appears  to  have  been  the  favorite  of  the  com- 
missioners. She  treiated  them  with  respect,  and  complied  with 
theur  requisitions.  In  return,  they  made  such  a  representation 
of  her  merits  to  the  Idng,  as  to  draw  fVOm  him  a  letter  of  thanks. 
<<  Although,''  says  he,  *<your  carriage  doth  of  itself  most  Justly 
deserve  our  jpraise  and  approbation,  yet  it  seenis  to  be  set  off  with 
more  lu^re  by  the  contrary  behavior  of  the  Colony  of  Massa- 
chusetts.'' 

61.  At  the  end  of  fifty  yetirs  from  the  arrival  of  the  emigrants 
«iFIymouth|the  New-£ngland  colonies  were  supposed  to  contain 


a& 


MASSACHUSETTS. 


one  hundred  and  twen^  towns,  and  as  manj  thousand  inhabitautd. 
The  acts  of  parliament  not  being  rigicUj  tenforced,  their  trade 
had  become  extensive  and  profitable.  The  habits  of  iridustry 
and  economy,  which  had  been  formed  in  less  happy  times  conti- 
nued to  pre^,  and  gave  a  competency  to  those  mio  had  nothing, 
and  wealth  to  those  who  had  a  competency.  The  wilderness 
receded  before  adventurous  and  hardy  laborers,  and  its  savage 
inhabitants  found  their  game  dispersed,  and  their  favorite  haunts 
invaded. 

62.  This  was  the  natural  consequence  of  the  sales  of  land^ 
which  were,  at  all  times,  readily  made  to  the  whites.  But  this 
consequence  the  Indians  did  not  foresee ;  and  when  they  felt  it 
in  all  its  force,  the  strongest  passions  were  awakened  which  can 
animate  civilized  or  savage  man,  the  love  of  country  and  of  hi- 
dependence. 

63.  A  leader  only  was  wanting  to  concentrate  and  direct  theh* 
exertions,  and  Philip,  of  Pokanoket,  sachem  of  a  tribe  living 
within  the  boundaries  of  Plymouth  and  Rhode-Island,  assumed 
that  honorable,  but  dangerous,  station.  His  fklher  was  the 
friend,  but  he  had  ever  been  the  enemv,  of  the  whites ;  and  this 
enmity,  arising  from  chuses  of  nationiu  concern,  had  been  embit- 
tered to  vindictive  hatred  by  their  conduct  towards  his  elder 
brother.  This  brother,  being  suspected  of  plottinff  against  them, 
was  seized  by  a  detachment  of  soldiers,  and  confined ;  and  the 
bidignity  so  wrought  upon  his  proud  spirit,  as  to  produce  a  fever 
that  put  an  end  to  his  life. 

;\64.  Philip  mherited  the  authority  and  proud  spirit  of  bis 
brother.'He  exerted  all  the  arts  of  Intrigue,  and  powers  of 
persuasion,  of  which  he  was  master,  to  induce  Uie  Indians,  in  all 
parts  of  New-England,  to  unite  their  eflbrts  for  the  destruction 
of  the  whites,  m  succeeded  In  forming  a  confederacy,  able  to 
send  into  action  between  three  and  four  thousand  warriors. 

66.  The  English  were  apprised  of  the  plots  of  the  Indians,  and 
made  preparations  to  meet  tnelr  hostilities.  Thty  hoped,  how- 
ever, mat  the  threatened  storm  would  pass  by.  as  others  had,  and 
that  peace  would  be  preserved.  But  the  insolence  of  PhUIp,  and 
the  number  of  his  adherents.  Increased  daily ;  and.  In  June;, 
1675,  some  of  them  entered  the  town  of  Swaniev,  in  Plymouth, 
where,  aiVer  slaughtering  the  oattie,  and  plundering  the  houses, 
they  fired  upon  the  inhabitants,  killing  and  wounding  several. 

66.  The  U  jops  of  that  colony  marched  Immediately  to  Swan- 
cer,  mad  were  soon  joined  by  a  detaohment  iW>m  Massachusetts. 
The  Indians  fled,  and  manced  the  course  of  their  flloht  by 
burning  the  buildings,  and  filing  on  polesi  by  the  wav  skw,  the 
hvMb,  iic«lps,  and  bwdi  of  tht  whitw  whom  they  ntd  koltd. 


MASSACHUSETTS. 


B9 


The  troops  pursued,  but  unable  to  overtake  them,  returned  to 
Swanzey. 

67.  The  whole  country  was  alarmed,  and  the  numberof  troops 
augmented.  By  this  array  of  force,  Philip  was  induced  to  quit 
his  residence  at  Mount  Hope,  and  take  post  near  a  swamp  at 
Pocasset,  now  Tiverton.  At  that  place,  the  English  attacked 
him,  but  were  repulsed.  Sixteen  whites  were  killed,  and  tho 
Indians,  by  this  miccess,  were  made  bolder. 

68.  At  this  time,  most  of  the  settlements  were  surrounded  by 
thick  forests,  and  ^e  Indians  lived  intermixed  with  the  whites. 
The  former  were  acquainted,  of  course,  with  the  dwellings  oi' 
the  latter,  with  their  roads,  and  places  of  resort ;  could  watch  their 
motions,  and  fall  upon  them  in  their  defenceless  and  unguarded 
memento.  Many  were  shot  dead  as  they  opened  their  doors  in 
the  morning;  manv  while  at  work  in  their  fields,  and  others  while 
travelling  to  visit  their  neighbours,  or  to  places  of  worship.  At 
all  times,  at  all  places,  in  all  emplovments,  were  their  fives  in 
jeopardy;  and  no  one  could  tell  but  that,  in  the  next  moment,  he 
should  receive  his  death  shot  from  his  barn,  the  thicket,  or  the 
way  side. 

69.  Whenever  the  enemy  assembled  in  force,  detachments 
were  sent  against  them  ;  if  weaker  than  ttiese,  Uiey  would  re- 
treat; if  stronger,  assault  and  conquer  them.  Defenceless  vil- 
lages were  suddenly  attacked,  the  houses  burned,  and  the  men, 
women,  and  children  killed,  or  carried  into  captivity.  Their 
ruin  was  Uie  work  of  a  moment;  and  when  accomplished,  its  au- 
thors vanlsheu. 

70.  The  colonies,  losing  individuals,  families  and  villages, 
found  their  numbers  sentiibly  diminished ;  their  strength  impaired ; 
and  began  to  apprehend  even  total  extinction.  Nothbg  but  a 
vigorous  eifort  could  save  them.  Tht  commissioners  met,  and 
determined  to  despatcii  an  army  of  a  thousand  men,  to  attack  the 
principal  position  of  the  enemy.  Josiah  Winslow,  ffovernor  of 
Plymouth,  was  appointed  commander-in-chief;  and  a  solemn 
last,  to  invoke  the  diidne  aid*  was  proclaimed  throughout  New- 
England. 

71.  On  tlie  18th  oF  December,  the  different  bodies  of  troops 
formed  a  junction  at  a  place  in  tho  country  of  the  Narragansets, 
about  fifteen  miles  fVom  the  enemy.  The  weather  was  extreme- 
ly cold,  but  the  men,  from  nrcenNlty,  passed  ttie  night,  uncuvored, 
in  the  flelds.  At  dawn  of  day,  they  begtui  their  march,  wading 
throu^^  the  deen  snow,  and  at  one  o'clock,  arrived  near  the  ene- 
my's post,  which  was  upon  a  risiug  ground,  in  the  midst  of  a 
swamp.  It  was  surrounded  by  i)nlisades,  and  on  the  outside  of 
thesQ  was  a  fence  of  brtuih,  a  ro(l  In  width. 


40 


MASSACHUSETTS. 


72.  Here  was  fought  the  most  desperate  battle  recoiilecl  in  the 
early  annals  of  the  country.  It  conthiued  three  hours.  The 
Enghsh  obtained  a  decisive  victory.  One  thousand  ludkin  war- 
riors were  lulled ;  three  hundred  more,  and  as  many  women  and 

,  children  were  made  prisoners.  But  dearly  was  the  victory  pur- 
chased. Six  brave  captains,  and  eighty  men,  were  kUled,  and 
one  hundred  and  fifty  were  wounded. 

73.  From  this  blow,  the  confederated  Indians  never  recovered ; 
but  they  still  remahied  sufficiently  strong  to  harass  the  settlements 
by  continual  huroads.  In  retaliation,  the  English  sent  several 
detachments  hito  their  territories,  nearly  all  of  which  were  suc- 
cessful. Captain  Church,  of  Plymouth,  and  Caption  Dennison, 
of  Connecticut,  were  conspicuous  for  their  braivery  and  gitod 
fortune. 

74.  In  the  midst  of  these  reverses,  Philip  remained  firm  and 
unshaken.  His  warriors  were  cut  00" ;  his  chief  men,  his  wife 
and  family,  were  killed  or  taken  prisoners ;  and  at  these  succes- 
sive misfortunes,  he  is  represented  to  have  wept  with  a  bitterness 
which  proved  him  to  possess  the  noblest  of  human  vhlues  and  aflec- 
iions ;  but  he  disdained  to  listen  to  any  oflers  of  peace.  He  even  shot 
one  of  his  men,  who  proposed  submission.  At  length,  after  being 
hunted  from  cwamp  to  swamp,  he  was  hhnself  shot,  by  the  brother 
of  the  Indian  he  had  killed.  After  hi»  deatli,  the  remnant  of  hisibl- 
lowers  either  submitted  to  the  English,  or  united  with  distant  trioes. 

75.  Never  was  peace  more  welcome,  for  never  had  war  been 
more  distressing.  The  whole  population  was  in  mourning  for 
relatives  slain.  Nearly  a  thousand  houses  had  been  burned,  and 
jfoods  and  cattle  of  great  value,  had  been  plundered  or  destroyed. 
The  colonies  had  contracted  a  heavy  debt,  which,  their  resourceti 
having  been  so  much  diminished,  they  found  an  almost  insup- 
portable burden.  But,  in  their  deepest  distress,  they  forbore  to 
applv  to  the  mother  country  for  ask^itance ;  and  this  omission  ex- 
cltc(l  surprise  and  jealousy.  *'  You  act,"  said  a  privy  counsellor. 
'<  as  though  you  were  independent  of  our  master's  crown;  and 
though  poor,  yet  you  are  proud." 

70.  In  1680,  New-Hampshire,  at  the  solicitation  of  John 
Mason,  to  whose  ancestor  a  part  of  the  territory  had  been  grant- 
ed, was  constituted  a  separato  colony.  "Massachusetts,  appre- 
hending the  loss  of  Maine  also,  purchased  of  the  heirs  of  Goi^s, 
their  claim  to  the  soil  and  jurisdiction,  for  twelve  hundred  and 
fifty  pounds. 

77.  The  disregard  of  the  acts  of  trade  had  given  great  oflbnci- 
to  the  mother  country,  and  the  Governors  of  New-England  wen 
peremptorllv  required  to  enforce  theiti.  But  being  enacted  by  u 
j|arUamciit  hi  which  the  colonics  were  not  represented,  they  v^tK 


"i 


3 


r.' 


MASSACHUSETTS. 


41 


regarded  as  violations  of  tiieir  rights,  aud  continued  to  be  evaded 
with  impunitv.  Edward  Randolph  was  therefore  sent  over, 
commissioned  as  inspector  of  the  customs  in  New-England. 
He  was  also  the  bearer  of  a  letter  from  the  king,  requiring  that 
agents  should  be  sent  to  the  court  of  London,  fully  empowered 
to  act  for  the  colonies. 

78.  It  was  well  understood  to  be  the  intention  of  the  king  to 
procure,  from  the  agents,  a  surrender  of  the  charters,  or  to  annul 
them  by  a  suit  in  his  courts,  that  he  might  himself  place  officers 
over  the  colonies,  who  would  be  subservient  to  his  views.  The 
inhabitants  of  Massachusetts  felt  that  to  be  deprived  of  their 
charter,  which  secured  to  them  the  right  of  self-government, 
would  be  the  greatest  of  calamities ;  and  their  agents  were  in- 
structed, in  no  emergency,  to  surrender  it.  This  being  known 
to  the  king,  a  prosecution  was  instituted  against  the  corporation, 
and,  in  1684,  a  subservient  court  decreed  tliat  the  charter  should 
be  cancelled. 

79.  All  impediments  to  the  exorcise  of  the  royal  will  being  thus 
removed,  king  James  established  a  temporary  government  over 
the  colony,  first  appointing  Josejph  Dudley,  and,  in  1686,  Sir 
Edmund  Andross,  governor.  This  latter  appointment  caused 
the  most  gloomy  forebodings^  Sir  Edmund  had  been  governor 
of  New- York,  and  it  was  known  that  his  conduct  there  had  been 
arbitrary  and  tyrannical. 

80.  Having  secured  a  majority  in  the  council,  he  assumed  con- 
trol over  the  press,  appointing  Handolph  licenser.  He  establish- 
ed new  and  oppressive  regulations  concerning  taxes,  public  wor- 
ship, marriages,  and  the  settlement  of  estates.  He,  and,  by  his 
permission,  his  subordinate  offioert,  «>xtorted  enormous  fees  for 
their  services.  He  declared  that,  the  charter  being  cancelled, 
the  old  titles  to  land  were  of  no  validity,  and  compelled  the  inha- 
bitants, in  order  to  avoid  suits  before  judges  dependent  on  liis 
will,  to  take  out  new  patents,  for  which  large  sums  were  de- 
manded. 

81.  The  hatred  of  the  people  was  excited  in  proportion  to  their 
fluflerings.  L.  the  beginning  of  1689,  a  rumor  reached  Boston, 
that  WiUlam,  prince  of  Orange,  had  invaded  Entfiand,  with  the 
intention  of  dethronbg  the  king.  Animated  by  Uie  liope  of  de- 
liverance, the  people  rushed  spontaneously  to  arms,  toott  posses- 
sion of  the  fort,  seijied  Andross,  Uaiidolph,  and  other  obnoxiou* 
persons,  and  placed  them  in  confinement.  A  council  of  safety, 
consisting  of  their  former  magistrates,  wan  then  organised,  to 
administer  the  government  untU  authentic  hitelllgenoe  should  be 
received  fVom  Kngland. 

88.  In  a  few  weeks  a  ship  arrived,  bringing  the  glad  tidings 


48 


MASSACHUSETTS. 


^^>: 


th«t  William  and  Marjr  were  firmly  seated  on  the  throne.  They 
were  immediately  proclaimed,  in  all  the  colonies,  with  imusuid 
rejoicings.  The  people  of  Massachusetts  iqpplied  for  the  restora- 
tion of  their  old,  or  the  grant  of  a  new  charter.  A  definite  an- 
swer was  deferred,  but  ue  council  was  authorized  to  administer 
the  government,  according  to  the  provisions  of  the  old  charter, 
until  Airttier  directions  should  be  given.  Andross,  Randolph, 
and  othera,  were  ordered  home  for  trial. 

63.  In  this  unsettled  state  of  the  country,  the  French  in  Canada 
and  Novm  Scotia,  instigated  the  northern  and  eastern  Indians  to 
commence  hostilities  against  the  English  settlements.  Dover 
and  Salmon  Falls,  in  New-Hampshire,  Casco,  in  Midne,  and 
Schenectady,  in  New-York,  were  attacked  by  different  parties 
of  French  and  Indians,  and  the  most  shocking  barbarities  perpe- 
trated upon  the  inhabitants. 

84.  Regarding  Canada  as  the  pi-incipal  source  of  their  miseries, 
New-En^and  and  New- York  formed  the  bold  project  of  reducing 
it  to  subiection.  By  great  exertion,  they  raised  an  army,  which, 
imder  the  command  of  General  Winthrop,  was  sent  against 
Montreal,  and  equipped  a  fleet,  which,  commanded  by  Shr  Wil- 
liam Phipps,  was  destined  to  attack  Quebec. 

66.  Both  returned  unsuccessful,  disappointing  the  sanguine 
hopes  of  the  people,  and  burdening  them  with  a  debt  which  they 
had  not  the  means  of  discharging.  To  pay  off  her  troops,  Mas- 
sachusetts put  in  circulation  bills  of  credit,  or  pi^er  money,  an 
expedient  which  was  afterwards  often  resorted  to,  and,  though  it 
afiorded  relief  at  the  moment,  produced)  hi  its  consequences,  ex- 
tensive and  complicated  mischief. 

86.  In  the  mean  Ume,  a  new  charter  had  been  granted  to  Mas- 
sachusetts, which  added  Plymouth,  Maine,  and  Nova  Scotia,  to 
her  territory.  The  only  privilege  It  allowed  to  the  people  was. 
the  choice  of  representatives.  These  were  to  elect  a  council,, 
and  both  bodies  were  to  constitute  the  legislative  power.  It  re- 
served to  the  Idng  the  right  of  appohfiting  ttie  governor  and  lieu- 
tenant povemok'.  To  the  governor  it  gave  the  power  of  rejecthig 
laws,  01  migativing  the  choice  of  counsellors,  of  appohiting  all 
military  and  judlolu  officers,  of  aoyouming  and  even  of  dissolving 
the  assembly  at  pleasure.  Laws,  although  i  ;>proved  by  him, 
night  be  abrogated  by  the  king,  within  three  yewni  after  thth* 
mctment. 

87.  The  Idng,  to  render  the  new  ohaner  more  acceptable,  ap- 
pointed Sir  William  Phlppa,  a  nathre  of  the  province,  governor, 
and  hi  169t,  he  arrived  at  Boston.  The  new  govenuntnt  went 
Into  operation  without  any  opoosition  from  the  inhabltante ;  and 
•IttOit  the  first  act  of  Shr  William  Phlppi  and  hlf  counoU)  waf 


^ 


V  V 


)er  money,  an 


MASSACHUSETTS. 


the  institution  of  a  court  to  try  the  unfortunate  victims  of  popular 
delusion,  accused  of  witchicraft,  at  Salem. 

88.  The  belief  in  this  supposes)  crime,  had  been  so  prevalent 
in  England,  that  parliament  had  enacted  a  law  punishing  it  with 
death.  Under  this  law,  multitudes  had  been  tried  and  executed 
in  that  country,  and  two  or  three  in  Massachusetts,  some  of 
whom  acknowledged  they  were  guilty.  Accounts  of  these  trials 
and  confessions,  and  pstrticularly  of  some  trials  before  Sir  Mat> 
thew  JHale,  a  judge  revered  in  the  colonies,  had  been  published 
and  distributed  throughout  the  country.  Tl^ey  were  read,  in  a 
time  of  deep  distress  and  gloom,  by  a  people  naturally  sedate,  and 
accustomed  to  regard  with  awe  the  surprising  suoui  unaccountable 
incidents  and  appearances  which,  in  tliis  new  ;vorld,  were  often 
presented  to  their  contemplation. 

89.  In  February,  1692,  a  daughter  and  a  niece  of  Mr.  Paris, 
the  mhilster  of  Salem,  were  afflicted  with  disorders  affecting  their 
bodies  in  die  most  singular  manner.  The  physicians,  unable  to 
account  for  their  contortions,  pronounced  them  bewitched ;  and 
the  children,  hearing  of  this,  declared  that  an  Indian  woman, 
who  lived  in  the  house,  was  the  cause  of  their  torments.  Mr. 
Paris  concurred  with  the  phx'slcians.  Several  private  fasts  were 
kept  at  his  house,  and  the  gloom  was  Increaaed  by  a  solemn  fast 
throughout  the  colony. 

90.  The  Indian  woman  confessed  herself  guilty.  Thechildreii 
were  visited,  noticed,  and  pitied.  This  encouraged  them  to  per- 
severe, and  other  children,  either  from  sympauy  or  the  desire 
of  similar  attentions,  ex^M  lited  similar  contortions.  A  distracted 
old  woman,  and  one  who  nau  been  a  long  time  confined  to  her 
bed,  were  added  to  the  list  of  the  accused ;  and,  in  the  prosress 
of  the  Infatuation,  women  of  mature  age  united  with  th«dduli«n 
in  their  accusations. 

^^91.  The  accused  were  multiplied  In  proportion  to  the  aoouserar 
Children  accused  their  parents,  and  parents  their  cblldren.  A 
word  from  those  who  were  supposed  to  be  afflicted,  oooailoned 
the  arrest  of  the  devoted  victim  ;  and  'm  firmly  convinced  were 
the  m!)^iK;tr?^e'^.  that  the  prince  of  darkness  was  hi  the  mklst  of 
them,  using  human  Instruments  to  accomplish  his  purposes,  that 
the  slightest  testimony  was  dec  -xl  sufficient  to  justify  a  commit- 
ment tor  trial. 

99.  The  court,  spoolatly  instituted  for  this  purpose,  held  • 
session  In  June,  and  af^«rwards  several  oUiers  1^  aNH( 
Many  were  tried,  and  recf^ived  sentence  of  death.    A  A 


cuilty.    Several  were  convkted  upon  tesllmo  ly,  whieh,  k  other 
Umsi,  would  not  have  induced  suaplolon  of  an  ordtnary  erlme^ 


44 


MASSACHUSETfS. 


and  some  upon  testimony  retracted  after  conviction.     Nineteen 
were  executed,  and  many  yet  remained  to  be  tried. 

98.  At  this  stage  of  the  proceedinffs,  the  le^slature  established, 
by  law,  a  permanent  court,  by  which  the  other  was  superseded, 
and  fixed  a  distant  day  for  its  first  session  at  Salem.  In  the  mean 
time,  the  accusations  multiplied,  and  additional  jails  were  requhred 
to  hold  the  accused.  The  impostors,  hardened  by  impunity  and 
success,  ascended  from  decrepid  old  women,  to  respectable 
characters,  and  at  length,  in  their  ravings,  named  ministers  cf 
the  gospel,  and  even  me  wife  of  the  governor.^ 

94.  The  community  were  thrown  into  consternation.  £ach 
felt  alarm  for  himself,  his  family,  and  his  friends.  The  shock 
roused  them  to  reflection.  They  considered  more  closely  the 
character  of  the  accusers ;  the  nature  of  the  alleged  crime  ;  the 
testimony,  often  contradictory  and  never  explicit;  and  more  than 
uU  these,  the  high  standing  of  some  %^'ho  were  implicated ;  and 
began  to  doubt  whether  they  had  not  been  too  credulous  and 
precipitate. 

95.  At  the  next  term,  the  grand  jury  found  indictments  against 
fifty  ;  but,  on  trial,  all  were  acquitted  except  three,  and  them  the 
governor  reprieved.  lie  also  directed  that  all  who  were  m  prison 
should  be  set  at  liberty.  A  belief,  however,  of  the  truth  of  the 
charges,  still  lingered  among  the  people,  and  prevented  any 

{)rosecution  of  the  impostors.  That  all  were  impostors,  cannot 
)e  believed.  Many  must  have  acted  under  the  influence  of  a 
disordered  imagination,  which  the  attendant  circumstaaces  were 
well  calculated  to  produce. 

'  96.  Besides  establishing  courts  of  justice,  the  legislature,  at 
its  first  session  under  the  new  charter,  passed  a  law  which  in- 
dicates  the  same  independent  spirit  that  afterwards  resisted  the 
usurpations  of  the  Biitish  parliament.  It  provided  that  no  tax 
should  be  imposed  upon  any  of  his  majesty's  subjects,  or  their 
estates,  In  the  province,  but  by  the  act  and  consent  of  the  gover- 
nor, council,  and  representatives  of  the  people,  in  general  court 
assembled.  It  is  almost  superfluous  to  say,  that  uiis  law  was 
disallowed  by  the  king. 

07.  The  war  with  the  French  and  Indians,  which  began  in 
1 690,  was  not  yet  termhiated.  For  seven  years  were  the  frontier 
settlements  harassed  by  the  savages ;  and  the  English  employed 
in  expeditions  asalnst  them.  A  nistory  of  these  would  conilat 
only  of  repeated  accounts  of  Indian  cunning  and  barbarity,  and 
of  Enj^ish  enterprise  and  fortitude.  Peace  between  England 
and  France,  which  took  plMO  in  1697,  WM  loon  foUowod  by 
peftce  with  the  savages. 


MABmOUVBETTS. 


46 


n,    Niueteen 


96.  But  in  it  few  years,  war  again  broke  out  in  Europe,  whidi 
was  the  signal  for  hostilities  in  America.  The  first  t>low  fell 
upon  Deerfield.  In  Febraarjr,  1704L  it  was  surprised  in  the 
night,  about  forty  persons  were  Idlled,  and  more  than  one 
hundred  made  prisoners,  among  whom  were  Mr.  Williams,  the 
minister,  and  his  family.  The  killed  were  scal^,  and  the 
prisoners  commanded  t4>  prepare  for  a  long  march  to  Canada. 

99.  On  the  second  day,  Mrs.  Williams  was  so  ejliausted  with 
fatigue  di«t  she  could  go  no  farther.  Her  husband  solicited  peiv 
mission  to  remain  with  her;  but  the  retreaUng  savages,  according 
to  their  custom  hi  such  cases,  killed  h«r  and  compiled  him  to 

Sroceed.  Before  the  termination  of  their  journey,  twenty  more 
ecame  unable  to  walk,  and  w^re  in  like  manner  sacrificed. 
Those  who  survived  the  journey  to  Canada  were  treated  by  the 
French  with  humanity ;  and  after  a  captivity  of  many  years, 
most  of  tibem  were  redeemed,  and  returned  to  their  friends. 

100.  New- York  having  agreed  with  the  French  and  the 
western  Indians  to  remain  neutral,  these  were  enabled  to  pour 
their  whole  force  upon  Massachusetts  and  New-Hampshure,  the 
inhabitants  of  which,  for  ten  years,  endured  miseries  peculiar  to 
on  Indian  war,  and  more  ^.istreiwiing  than  their  descendants  can 
well  imagine.  The  enemy  were  at  all  times  prowling  about  the 
frontier  settlements,  watching  in  concealment  fo"  an  opportunity 
to  strike  a  sudden  blow  and  fly  with  safety.  Ti>e  women  and 
children  retired  into  the  garrisons ;  the  men  left  their  fields  un- 
cultivated, or  labored  with  arms  at  theh>  sides,  and  with  sentinels 
at  every  point  whence  an  attack  could  be  apprehended. 

101.  Yet  notwithstanding  these  precautions,  the  encihny  were 
often  successful,  killing  sometimes  an  individual  only,  sometimes 
a  whole  family,  sometimes  a  band  of  laborers,  ten  or  twelve  hi 
number ;  and  so  swift  were  they  in  thdr  movements,  that  but 
few  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  whites.  It  wa.*>  computed,  that  the 
sum  of  one  thousand  pounds  were  eiqpended  for  every  Indian 
killed  or  made  captive. 

102.  In  1707,  Massachusetts,  New-Hampahh«,  and  Rhode- 
Islor  J  despatched  an  armament  against  Port  Royal,  in  Nova- 
Scotia,  which  was  then  in  possession  of  the  French.  It  returned 
without  accomplishinff  its  object.  In  1710,  New-England,  a^'- 
sisted  by  a  fleet  Aimlme^  by  the  modier  country,  succeeded  In 
reducing  the  place;  and  its  name,  in  compliment  to  queen  Anno, 
vras  changed  to  Annapolis. 

108.  The  success  of  Uiis  enterprise  eneouraged  the  comman* 
der,  general  Nicholson,  to  visit  Efngland  and  propose  an  expedi- 
tion against  Canada.  His  proposition  was  adopted,  and  hi  June, 
1711,  admiral  Walker,  witn  afleet  of  fifteen  ships  of  war  anil 


4g 


MASSACHtrSETTS. 


forty  transports,  bringing  an  army  of  veteran  troops,  arrived  at 
Boston.  Taking  on  board  two  additional  regiments,  he  sailed 
from  that  port  about  the  iast  of  July.  At  the  same  time,  general 
Nicholson  repaired  to  Albany  to  take  command  of  the  troops 
that  were  to  proceed  by  land. 

104.  When  the  fleet  had  advanced  ten  leagues  up  the  river 
St.  Lawrence,  the  weather  became  tempestuous  and  (of^,  A 
diffi^rence  of  ophiion  arose  concerning  the  course  to  be  pursued, 
the  English  pilots  recommending  one  course,  and  the  colonial 
another.  The  admiral,  entertaining,  like  all  other  English  offi- 
cers, an  opinion  of  the  abilities  of  the  colonists  corresponding 
with  their  dependent  condition,  adopted  the  advice  of  his  own 
pilots.  Pursuing  the  course  they  recommended,  nine  tran^orts 
were  driven,  about  midnight,  upon  the  rocks  and  dashed  to 
pieces. 

105.  From  every  quarter  cries  of  distress  arose,  conveying, 
through  thie  daricness,  to  those  who  were  yet  afloat,  intelligence 
of  the  fate  of  their  comrades  and  of  their  own  danger.  The 
shrieks  of  the  drowning  pleaded  powerfully  for  assistance,  but 
nor  ?  could  be  afforded  until  the  morning  dawned,  when  six  or 
seven  hundred,  found  floating  on  the  scattered  wrecks,  were 
rescued  from  death,  more  than  a  thousand  having  sunk  to  rise  no 
more.     Not  a  single  American  was  lost. 

106.  Weakened  by  this  terrible  disaster,  the  admiral  deter- 
mined to  return  to  England,  where,  he  arrived  in  the  month  of 
October.  Thither  misfortune  attended  him.  On  the  flfteenth, 
his  ship  bfow  up  and  four  hundred  seamen  perished.  The  New- 
England  troops  returned  to  their  homes,  and  Nicholson,  having 
learned»  the  Kite  of  the  fleet,  led  back  his  troops  to  Albany. 
The  next  year  the  colonies  found  no  repose.  In  1713,  France 
and  England  made  peace  at  Utrecht,  and,  in  the  same  year, 
peace  was  concluded  with  the  Indians. 

107.  Such  was  the  destruction  of  lives  In  this  war,  that  the 
population  of  New-England  was  sensibly  retarded.  Her  expenses 
were  also  enormous.  Although  Uie  annual  taxes  paid  by  the  in- 
habitants, were  greater  than  in  any  other  portion  of  the  British 
empire,  yet  the  colonies  most  exposed,  were  burdened,  at  the 
close  of  the  war,  with  a  heavy  debt,  in  the  shape  of  hills  of 
credit,  or  paper  money,  which  impeded  their  pro£4[>erity,  perplex- 
ing individuals  and  the  government  in  nil  their  transactions. 

108.  In  1716,  Samuel  Sluite,  a  colonel  in  the  army  of  the 
celebrated  duke  of  Marlborough,  was  appointed  governor.  On 
bis  arrival  in  the  province,  he  found  the  people  divided  Into  two 
parties,  one  in  favor  of  a  public  bank,  which  had  just  been 
eitabllihed,  tlie  other  of  tlie  iiiQoiporRtloa  of  a  private  hank. 


MASSACHITSETTJi^ 


47 


He  joined  the  former,  the  latter  of  course  became  hostile ;  and, 
led  by  a  Mr.  Cooke,  opposed  with  virulence  all  his  measures. 

109.  In  1720,  ihia  party,  embracing  a  msgority  of  the  repre- 
sentatives, elected  their  leader  speaker.  The  choice  was  com- 
municated tQ  the  governor,  who  interpoL<ju  his  negaUve.  The 
liouse  persisted  in  their  choice,  denymg  his  right  to  interfere. 
The  controversy  continued  several  days,  when  the  governor  dis- 
solved the  assembly,  and  directed  that  a  new  Section  should  be 
made  by  the  people.         "  ,.;^ij 

110.  The  charter  not  giving,  in  express  terms,  to  the  governor, 
tlie  power  to  reject  a  speaker,  the  people  resolved  to  support  their 
representatives,  and  nearly  all  of  them  were  again  elected.  When 
met,  to  avoid  a  second  dissolution,  they  chose  a  Mr.  Lindall 
speaker ;  but  in  a  warm  remonstrance  to  the  governor,  con- 
demned his  conduct,  and  re-asserted  wbeir  sole  and  exclusive 
right  to  ch   )se  theij  presidmg  officer. 

111.  Tne  session  was  short,  and  but  little  was  done  that  did 
uot  display  the  angry  feelmgs  of  the  house.  Instead  of  six  hun- 
dred poimds,  the  usual  grant  to  the  governor  for  half  a  yearns 
salary,  they  appropriated  but  five  hundred,  and,  as  a  mark  of 
their  displeasure,  deferred  that  act  until  near  the  close  of  the 
Hession. 

112.  At  their  next  meeting,  the  same  feelings  previdled  asid 
the  same  diminished  sum  was  voted.  The  govemor  then  in- 
formed them,  that  he  had  been  instructed  by  me  king  to  recom- 
mend to  the  assembly,  to  establish  for  him  a  permanent  and 
honorable  salary.  Tne  house,  aware  of  the  importance  of  re- 
taining the  power  of  granting  such  sums  as  the  governor  might 
merit  by  his  conduct,  replied,  that  the  subject  was  new,  And  ex- 
pressed a  wish  that  the  court  might  rise.  With  this  request  the 
governor  complied.  ' 

113.  This  disagreement  continued,  the  ill  temper  of  both  par- 
ties increasing,  through  several  subsequent  sessions.  The  re- 
presentatives, confident  of  the  sunport  of  the  people,  reAised  to 
vistablish  a  permanent  salary  for  ttie  {governor,  and  often  with- 
held the  pittance  they  gave,  until  he  had  sanctioned  those  mea- 
sures which  they  desired  should  be  adopted! 

114.  His  residence  in  the  province  being  rendered,  by  (this' 
dispute,  unpleasant,  he  suddenly  and  privately  quitted  it,  in  De- 
cember, 1722.  Upon  his  arrival  In  England,  he  exhibited 
charges  against  the  house,  of  having  made  various  eneroachmenUr 
upon  the  king's  prerogative,  which  the  agents  of  the  prorfaioe 
were  Instructed  to  answer  and  rapel^ 

115.  He  remained  in  England  until  17S8,  when  he  resigned 
his  ofllee,  and  WllUun  Buraet,  then  goremor  of  New«Toric,  way 


\ 


48 


MASSAdHtJSETTS. 


**-' 


^pointed  Ids  successol*.  In  feds  first  speecb,  he  informed  the 
house  fhtt  he  had  reddvvd  podtive  instriietiitaiB  from  Ihe  kmg  to 
insist  OB  ft  p^rmanenfi  salary.  The  representatives,  generous  of 
Ihdr  mdhey  bat  tenacious  of  &^  r^ts,  a^i^opriated  three 
hundred  pobids  for  the  expenses  of  h&  joumej,  umI  fourteen 
himdi«dj>bunds  towards  ms  si^port,  not  specifying  for  what 
time.  The  firtC  sum  he  accented;  but  absohitely  declined  re- 
cehrfaig  any  compensation  for  his  senriceei,  except  in  the  mode  of 
affixed  salary. 

116.  The  delegates  were  equally  decided;  and  haying  trans- 
acted an  fhdr  necessary  business,  requested  the  governor,  by 
messs^,  fo  adjourn  them.  He  replied,  that  he  could  not  cdn^ly 
with  thefar  request,  as,  if  he  did»  be  should  put  it  out  of  thdbr  power 
to  pay  immediate  regard  to  the  king's  instructions.  A  few  days 
afterwards,  the  request  was  agdn  made  and  again  denied. 

117.  Messages,  containing  arguments  and  replies,  were  often 
interchanged  by  the  partiM.  After  two  months  had  been  con- 
sumed in  the  controversy,  the  governor,  hnaginingthe  members 
were  influenced  by  the  citteens  of  Boston,  transferred  the  general 
court  t6  Salem.  They  were  detained  ^ere  tiVo  months ;  were 
then  allowed  to  return  to  their  homes ;  were  again  assembled 
afler  a  short  recess ;  and  having  sat  seventeen  days,  were  again 
adjourned  without  exhibiting  any  symptoms  of  compliance. 

118.  A  new  assembly  was  elected,  uid  held  several  sessions  in 
the  summer  of  1729,  diq[»laying  the  samd  enphit  as  tiie  former. 
In  the  mean  time,  infcMrmation  was  transmitted  from  Ensland, 
that  ttto  king  anproved  the  conduct  of  the  governor,  and  con- 
demned that  or  the  house.  StUl  the  members  continued  inflex- 
ible. In  August,  th^  were  removed  to  Cambridge,  which  served 
to  exasperate  rather  than  to  convince  tiiem.  Here,  however^  the 
controversy  was  suspended^  for  a  time,  by  the  death  of  the  gover- 
nor^  which  was  supposed  to  have  been  hastened  by  his  unsuc- 
cessful contest  wUh  the  house  of  representatives. 

110.  His  successor  was  Mjr.  Belcher,  tiien  agent  in  England. 
As  he  belong  to  the  popular  party,  his  appohitment  gave  rise  to 
the  expectation,  that  the  hiBtruetion,  to  obtun  a  permanent  salary, 
was  withdrawn.  But  from  hb  first  speech  it  appeared,  that  it 
was  not  only  left  unrescindedi  but  enforced  by  a  threat  of  punish- 
ment in  case  of  reibsal. 

ISO.  The  house,  unJntimidatud  by  tiie  tiireat,  refused.  The 
governor,  daring  the  two  first  years  of  his  administration,  made 
iieveral  attenmts  to  induoe  them  to  comply.  All  fdling,  he  en- 
daavoMd  to  obCaUi  a  relaatioa  of  his  fanstructions.  Permission 
WM  ri  i«aglh  granted  that  he  might  reoeive  s  partieulair  sum 
whioh  v/ni  volM,  and  asimtlar|p«Snl8sion  was  afUrwurds  annu- 


ally give 
Massach 
rights  W( 

121.  1 
'continuec 
fifovemor 
^f  the  fa 
moved  fr 
place. 

122.  I 
France, a 
commerce 

itted  out : 

|ation  gav( 

"lad  been  < 

lampshir 

leived  the 

to  govei 

^j.Jnced  hin 

[with  his  01 

123.  H 

the  govern 

leet.  Man; 

ind  so  weal 

[attacking  it 

yliim,  howe^ 

^reported  ag 

jbcn  dismls 

124^  Du 

anxiety  to  s 

pan  honest  n 

[prayed  for  I 

f  he  people 

the  place.  1 

ed  by  a  larg 

Wttrt,  prayi 

The  Subject 

pedition  wai 

12C.  Th< 

•^Vdrse  to  the 

•arry  it  into 

solicited,  sni 

patched  to  c 

co-operatinn 

chief,  and  K 


MASSACHtiiijTm: 


.'sflgr:.**f-  ■ '  ■ 


^ 


40 


«11y  given.  Thus  ended  a  contest  which  prepared  the  people  of 
Massachusetts  to  embark  in  an  other  in  which  more  important 
rights  were  to  be  defended. 

121.  These  turbulent  times  were  succeeded  hy  a  calm  which 
continued  several  years ;  during  which,  however,  the  enemies  of 
sfovemor  Belcher,  by  incessant  misrepresentation,  deprived  him 
^f  the  favor  of  Ae  ministry  in  Englandv  In  1740,  he  was  re- 
moved from  office,  and  Mr.  Wflliam  Shirley  appointed  in  his 

place.  "  '   •■\1   ..T^^;**  ;:;ir*:'''i  i^r  ^,' :•-•«•■  .^.,' 

122.  In  1744,  war  again  broke  out  between  England  and 
France,  and  the  colonies  were  involved  in  its  calamities.  Their 
commerce  and  fisheries  sii^red  great  injury  from  privateers, 
fitted  out  at  Louisburg,  a  French  port,  on  cape  Breton.  Its  situ- 
ation gave  it  such  importonce,  that  nearly  six  millions  of  doUars 
~  lad  been  expended  on  its  fortifications.    Mr.  Vaughan,  of  New- 

lampshire,  who  had  oflen  visited  that  place  as  a  trader,  con- 

eived  the  project  of  an  expedition  against  it.   He  communicated 

to  governor  Shirley,  and,  being  ardent  and  enthusiastic,  con^ 

need  him  that  the  enterprise  was  practicable,  and  in^ired  him 

with  his  own  ,'^nthusiasm-. 

12S.  Havin-  exacted  of  the  general  court  ah  oath  of  secrecy^ 
he  governor,  in*  January,  1745,  communicated  to  them  the  pro- 
eet.  Many  heard  it  wxh  amazement.  So  strong  was  die  place, 
nd  so  weak  comparatively  were  the  colonies,  that  the  diought  of 
attacking  it  seemed  rash  and  presumptuous. .  From  respect  to 
Jliim,  however,  his  proposal  was  referred  to  a  committee;  they 
■  reported  against  it,  the  house  accepted  the  report,  and  the  mem- 
'lers  dismissed  from  their  minds  all  thoughts  of  the  expedition. 
124w  During  the  secret  deliberations,  the  people  watched  with 
nxiety  to  ascertain  their  object.  The  disclosure  Was  made  by 
n  honest  member,  vi\\o  incautiously,  in  his  family  devotions, 
prayed  for  the  divine  blessing  on  the  attempt,  should  it  be  made. 
The  people  were  instantly  stmck  with  the  advantage  of  possessing 
the  place.  When  the  decision  was  made  known,  a  petition,  sign- 
ed by  a  large  number  of  merchants,  was  presented  to  the  general 
j^ourt,  praying  them  to  comply  with  the  governor's  proposal. 
The  subject  v/as  again  discussed,  and  a  vote  in  favour  of  the  ex- 
pedition was  passed  by  a  majority  of  one* 

12C.  The  question  was  now  decided,  and  all  who  were  beforo 
ovdrsetothe  enterprise,  united  heartily  with  its  supportei-s  to 
•arry  it  into  execution.  The  other  New-England  colonies  were 
solicited,  and  agreed  to  furnish  assistance;  and  a  boat  was  desi 
patched  to  commodore  Warren,  in  tlie  West  Indies,  to  invite  hln 
co-operation.  C^olonel  Pepperell  was  appointed  commander-in- 
chief,  and  Roger  Wolcott,  of  Connecticut,  second  in  commivndi 


l\ 


MASSACHUSETTS. 


^ 


126.  In  two  monihs,  an  amy  of  more  than  four  thousand  men 
Was  enlisted^  clothed,  victualled,  and  equipped  for  sendee,  in  the 
four  New-England  colonies,  which  did  not  men  contain  four  huu' 
dred  thousand  inhabitants*  On  the  23d  of  March,  ihe  despatch 
boat  returned  firom  the  West  Indies,  with  advice  that  commodore 
Warren  declined  furnishing  aid.  This  intelligence  was  kept  se- 
cret* The  troops  of  Massachusetts  embarlced^  as  thou^  nothing 
discoura^ng  had  happened,  and  about  the  middle  of  April,  they, 
as  well  as  those  sent  by  Connecticut  and  New-Hampshire,  ar- 
rived safe  at  Canso. 

127.  Commodore  Warren  had  but  just  despatched  his  answer, 
when  he  received  orders  to  repair  to  Boston  with  such  ships  as 
could  be  spared,  and  concert  measures  with  governor  Shirley  foi* 
his  majesty's  service  in  North  America.  He  sailed  instantly,  but 
learning,  in  Itis  course,  that  the  transports  had  left  Boston  for 
Canso,  he  steered  directly  for  that  place,  where  he  arrived  on  the 
23d  of  April.  He  added  much  to  meir  naval  strength,  and  much 
to  that  confidence,  which,  by  promising,  ensures  victory. 

128.  Sevend  vessels  of  war,  which  had  becu  sent  to  cruise  be< 
fore  Louisburg,  had  captured  a  number  of  French  ships,  and  pre- 
vented any  intelligence  of  the  expedition  from  reaching  the  ene- 
my. These  vessels  were  daily  within  sight  of  the  place,  but 
were  sujptposed  to  be  privateers,  and  caused  no  alarm;  The  ap- 
pearance of  the  fleet,  on  the  30th  of  April,  gave  the  French  the 
nrst  intimation  of  their  danger. 

129.  The  troops  immediately  landed,  and  the  next  day  a  de- 
tachment f  four  hundred,  marching  round  the  hills,  approached 
within  a  mile  of  the  grand  battery,  setting  fire  to  all  the  houses 
and  stores  on  the  way.  Many  of  these  contained  pitch  and  tar, 
which  produced  a  thick  smoke,  that  completely  enveloped  the 
invaders.  The  fears  of  the  French  were  increased  by  their  un- 
certainty. They  imagmed  tiie  whole  army  was  coming  upon 
them,  and,  throwing  their  powder  into  a  w^U,  deserted  the  bat- 
teiy,  of  which  the  New-tli^and  troops  took  possession  without 


130.  This  was  uncommon  good  fortune ;  but  the  most  difficult 
labors  of  the  siege  remained  to  be  performed.  The  cannon  were 
to  be  drawn  nearly  two  miles,  over  a  deep  morass,  in  plahi  view, 
and  within  gun  shot,  of  the  enemy's  principal  fortifications.  For 
fourteen  nights,  the  troops,  with  straps  over  their  shoulders,  and 
sinking  to  their  knees  in  mud,  were  employed  in  this  service. 

131.  The  approaches  wera  then  begun  in  the  mode  which 
seemed  most  proper  to  the  shrewd  understandings  of  untaught 
militia.  Those  officers,  who  were  skilled  in  the  ait  of  war, 
talked  of  zig  zag9  and  epaulenunia ;  but  the  troops  made  themr 


selves  m 
Bytiie2 
which  m 
132.  ] 
equally  i 
guns,  loa 
as  distrei 
English  t 
ded  such 
town  wa£ 
deemed  i 
15tii  of  J 
hostilities 

133.  I 
colonies, 
citizens  < 
Witiiout  e 
projected, 
prise  of  vs 
and  fisher 
from  all  fi 

134.  F 
ordinary  c 
New-Eng 
American 
soldiers. 
New-Eng 
the  pious  ( 
Providenc 
maining  a 
lost  two  ac 
their  lives 
duced  to  0 

135.  In 
its  prisoni 
illustration 
the  colon! 
which  she 
injustice ; 

136.  Fi 
French  wa 
The  bills 
enormous  > 
their  deprc 


y^  ■--■"' 


Massachusetts. 


61 


selves  merry  vdih  the  terms»  and  proceeded  in  their  own  way. 
By  the  20th  of  May,  they  had  erected  five  batteries,  one  of 
which  mounted  five  forty-two  pounders,  and  did  great  execution. 

132.  Meanwhile  the  fleet,  cruising  in  the  harbor,  had  been 
equally  successful.  It  captured  a  French  ship  of  sixty-four 
guns,  loaded  with  stores  for  the  garrison,  to  whom  the  loss  was 
as  distressing,  as  to  the  besieger^  the  capture  was  fortunate. 
English  ships  of  war  were,  besides,  continually  arriving,  and  ad- 
ded such  strength  to  the  fleet  that  a  combined  attack  upon  the 
town  was  resolved  upon.  The  enemy,  discovering  this  design, 
deemed  it  unwise  to  abide  the  hazard  of  an  assault.  On  die 
15th  of  June,  the  French  commander  proposed  a  cessation  of 
hostilities,  and,  on  the  17tfa,  capitulated. 

133.  Intelligence  of  this  event,  flying  swiftly  through  the 
colonies,  diffui^  great  and  universal  ioy.  And  well  might  the 
citizens  of  New-England  be  elated  with  the  glad  tidings. 
Without  even  a  suggestion  from  the  mother  country,  they  had 
projected,  and,  with  but  little  assistance,  had  achieved,  an  enter- 
prise of  vast  importance  to  her  and  to  them.  Their  commerce 
and  fisheries  were  now  secure,  and  their  maritime  cities  relieved 
from  all  fear  of  attack  from  that  quarter. 

134.  France,  fired  with  resentment  at  her  loss,  made  extra- 
ordinary exertions  to  retrieve  it,  and  to  inflict  chastisement  on 
New-England.  The  next  summer,  she  despatched  to  the 
American  coast  a  powerful  fleet,  carrying  a  large  number  of 
soldiers.  The  news  of  its  approach  spread  terror  throughout 
New-England ;  but  an  uncommon  succession  of  disasters,  which 
the  pious  of  that  time  attributed  to  the  special  inteiposition  of 
Providence,  deprived  it  of  all  power  to  inflict  injury.  After  re- 
msaning  a  short  time  on  the  coast,  it  returned  to  France,  having 
lost  two  admirals,  both  of  whom,  it  was  supposed,  put  an  end  to 
their  lives  through  chagrin ;  havhig  also,  by  tempests,  been  re- 
duced to  one  half  its  force,  and  effected  nothing. 

135.  In  1748,  peace  was  concluded,  each  party  restoring  all 
its  prisoners  and  conquests;  a  striking,  but  not  uncommon, 
illustration  of  the  folly  of  war.  Louisburg,  though  conquered  by 
the  colonies,  was  exchanged,  by  Great  Britain,  for  territories 
wliich  she  had  lost  in  Europe.  New-England  murmured  at  this 
injustice ;  but  what  avail  the  murmurs  of  the  weak  ? 

136.  From  this  period  to  the  commencement  of  the  next 
French  war,  but  few  important  events  occurred  in  Massachusetts. 
The  bills  of  credit,  which  the  colony  had  issued  to  defray  its 
enormous  expenditure,  were  redeemed  by  the  government,  at 
(heir  de|)reciate4  value.  ^  This  example  wwi^  followed,  though 


52 


NEW-HAMPSHJRE. 


'» 


tardily,  by  the  other  ffovemmeats.  At  the  thne  of  their  redenip^ 
tlon,  they  were  worth  no  more,  in  some  colonies,  than  one  tenth, 
and  In  oth'^rs,  one  twentieth,  of  th^  sum  for  which  they  had  been 
issued. 


CHAPTER  III. 


NEW-HAMPSHIRE. 


WITH  the  history  of  Massachusetts^  the  parent  of  the  Nevc- 
England  colonies,  that  of  New-Hampshire  has  been  necessarily 
blended.  A  brief  relation  of  uome  detached  events,  which  oc- 
cun*ed  in  the  latter  colony,  will  now  be  given. 

2.  John  Mason,  Ferdinand  Gorffes,  and  others,  having  ob- 
tained, of  the  Plymouth  or  New-£n^and  company,  grants  of 
several  tracts  of  land,  lying  north  of  Massachusetts,  sent  fVom 
England,  in  1628,  a  few  persons  to  begin  a  settlement.  Part 
landed,  and,  for  a  short  time,  remained  at  Little  Harbor,  on  the 
west  side  of  Piscataqua  river,  and  near  its  mouth.  Here  the 
first  house  was  built,  which  was  called  Mason  Hall.  T)^^  re- 
mainder, proceeding  Higher  up  tho  riveri  settled  at  Cocheco, 
afterwards  called  Dover. 

3.  Fishing  and  trade  bemg  tlie  principal  objects  of  thesa 
emigrants,  their  settlements  increased  slowly.  In  1629,  Uie 
territory  situated  between  Merrimac  and  Piscataqua  rivers,  and 
extending  sixty  miles  from  the  sea,  was  granted  to  Mason  alone, 
and  then  first  called  New-Hampshire.  In  1631,  the  first  houso 
was  built  at  Portsmouth.  In  1688,  the  Reverend  John  Wheel- 
wright, who,  in  1629,  but  previous  to  the  date  of  Mason's  patent, 
had  purchased  the  land  of  the  Indians,  laid  the  foundation  of 
Exeter.  The  next  year,  thirty-five  persons,,  resldinff  in  that 
town,  combined  and  established  civil  government,  nithin  u 
year  or  two  ailerwards,  the  inhabitants  of  Dover  and  Portsmoutli 
followed  their  example,  each  town  remaining  distinct  and  inde- 
pendent. 

4.  In  1641,  these  little  republics,  distrusUnff  thetr  ability  to 

t protect  themselves,  formed  a  coalition  witli  Massachusetts,  and 
ong  remained  a  part  of  tl)at  colouy.    The  civil  ^yors  in  Ei^laqd 


*  t>\ 


.  NEW-HAMPSHIRE.      :         ,  1^ 

diverted  the  attention  of  Mason  from  his  mnt,  and  those  Who 
migrated  to  the  cowitrjr  purchased  of  Wheelwright,  the  lands 
which  they  occupied.  In  the  war  with  Philip,  the  settlements 
on  Piscataqua  and  Ouster  rivers,  were  attaclced  by  the  Indians, 
and  suffered  severely. 

6.  In  1676,  Robert  Mason,  grandson  and  heir  of  John  Mason, 
applied  to  the  king  to  obtain  possession  of  the  territory  and  ririits 
which  had  been  granted  to  his  ancestor.  Notice  of  diis  applica^ 
tion  was  given  to  Massachusetts,  and  the  parties  were  heara  be- 
fore the  king  in  council.  In  1679,  a  decree  was  passed,  that 
New-Hampshire  should  be  constituted  a  separate  province,  to  be 
ruled  by  a  president  and  council,  who  were  to  be  appointed  by 
the  king,  and  a  house  of  representatives  to  bd  chosen  by  the 
people.     No  decision  was  made  affectbg  the  titles  to  land. 

6.  The  first  assembly,  consisting  of  eleven  members,  me),  in 
1 680,  at  Portsmouth.  At  this  session,  a  code  of  laws  was  adopted, 
of  which  the  first,  in  a  style  worthy  of  freemen,  declared,  "  thai, 
no  act,  imposition,  law,  or  ordinance,  should  be  imposed  uponthd 
inhabitants  oi'  the  province,  but  such  as  should  be  made  by  the 
assembly,  and  approved  by  the  president  and  council.'*  This 
was  twelve  years  previous  to  the  enactment  of  a  shnilar  la>^'  in 
Massachusetts. 

7.  In  the  same  year,  Mason,  who  had  been  appointed  a  mem- 
ber of  the  council,  arrived  in  the  colony.  He  assumbd  the  title 
of  lord  proprietor,  claimed  the  soil  as  his  property,  and  threatened 
to  prosecute  all  who  would  not  take  from  him  leases  of  the4ands 
they  occupied.  His  pretensions  were  resisted  by  most  of  the  in- 
habitants, who  claimed  the  fee-simple  of  the  soil  by  a  moro 
righteous,  if  not  more  legal  Utle, 

8.  The  peace  of  the  colony  was  long  disturbed  by  these  oon« 
flicting  claims.  At  the  liead  of  those  who  contended  with  Mason, 
stood  Major  Waldron,  of  Dover.  Against  him,  and  many  others^ 
suits  were  instituted.  No  defence  was  made,  judgments  were 
obtained,  but  so  general  was  tlie  hostility  to  Mason,  that  he  never 
dared  to  enforce  them.  , 

9.  Over  Massachusetts  and  New-Hampshire,  the  same  gov* 
crnor  usuallv  oresided.  After  Andross  was  deposed,  the  in- 
habitants of  the  latter  colony  desired  to  be  incorporated  witib  th^tr 
former  bretliren.  Their  roqiu*Mt  was  opposed  by  Samuel  Allan, 
wlio  had  purchased  Manson's  title,  and  was  refiised.  Allen  wai 
made  governor  of  the  colony,  and,  by  his  infiuence,  John  Usher, 
hb  Bon-hi-law,  was  appointed  lieutenant  governor.  Under  hia 
iidralnistration,  the  disputes,  oocasioned  by  adverse  dalma  to 
land,  contlnueti  to  ra^  with  inoreased  violence.  OUiar  suits 
were  instituted,  and  judgments  obtained ;  but  the  iharlff  ^m» 


54 


NEW.HAMPSHIRE. 


forcibly  resisted,  by  a  powerful  combination,  whenever  he.  at* 
tempted  to  put  the  plaintiff  in  possession. 

10.  From  Indian  wars  this  colony  suffered  more  than  any^  of 
lier  sisters.  The  surprise  of  Dov«r,  in  1689,  was  attended  by 
circumstances  of  the  most  shoclcing  barbarity.  That  the  natives 
had  been  cruelly  injured  by  ms^rWaldron,  the  principal  citizen, 
may  account  for,  if  not  extenuate,  their  ferocity  in  obtaining  re- 
venge. 

11.  Having  determhied  upon  their  plan  of  attack,  they  em- 
ployed more  man  their  usual  art,  to  lull  the  suspicions  of  the 
inhabitants.  So  civil  and  respectful  was  their  behavior,  that 
they  often  obtained  permission  to  sleep  in  the  fortified  houses  in 
the  town.  On  the  evening  of  the  fatal  night,  they  assembled  in 
the  neighborhood,  and  sent  their  women  to  apply  for  lodgings,  at 
the  houses  devoted  to  destruction;  who  were  not  only  admitted, 
but  were  shown  how  they  could  open  the  doors  should  they  havo 
occasion  to  go  out  in  the  night. 

12.  When  all  was  quiet,  the  doors  were  opened  and  the  signal 
given*  The  Indians  rushed  into  Waldron's  house,  and  hastened 
CO  his  apartment.  Awakened  by  the  noise,  he  seized  his  swoni 
and  drove  them  back,  but  when  returning  for  his  other  arms, 
was  stunr'^'l  with  a  hatchet,  and  fell.  They  tfien  dragged  him 
into  his  hall,  seated  him  in  an  elbow  chair,  upon  a  long  tabic, 
and  insultingly  asked  him,  "  who  shall  judge  Indians  now  ?'' 
After  feasting  upon  provisions,  which  they  compelled  the  rest  of 
the  family  to  procure,  each  one,  with  his  knife,  cut  gpjhes  acrosK 
his  breast,  saying,  ^'  I  cross  out  my  account."  When,  weakened 
with  the  loss  of  blood,  he  was  about  to  fall  from  the  table,  his 
own  sword  was  held  under  him,  which  put  an  end  to  his  misery^ 

18.  At  other  houses,  similar  acts  of  cruelty  wore  perpetrated. 
In  Uie  whole,  Iwentv-three  persons  were  killed,  twenty-nin<' 
carried'  prisoners  to  Canada,  and  mostly  sold  to  the  French. 
Remembering  Idndness  as  well  as  ligury,  they  spared  one 
woman,  f^o,  thirteen  years  before,  had  conferred  a  favor  on  om^ 
of  llie  party.  Many  houses  were  burned,  much  property  wan 
plundered,  and  so  expeditious  were  the  Indians,  that  they  had 
Hed  beyond,  reach  berore  the  neighboring  people  could-  be  col- 
iMted. 

'  14.  The  war  thu«  commenced  was  prosecuted  with  grMt 
vigor.  The  French,  by  giving  premiums  for  scalps,  and  by 
purchMing  the  English  prisoners,  animated  the  Indians  to  exert 
aH  their  activity  and  address,  and  the  frontier  InhablMnts  endured 
the  moil  aggravated  sufferings.  The  settlements  on  Oyster  river 
wera  i^gain  surprised ;  twentv  houses  were  burned,  aind  nearly 
(fpe  hundred  persons  were  killed  or  made  prisoners.    Other 


NEW-HAMPSHIRE. 


8& 


>ver  he  at- 

lian  anjr  of 
kttended  by 
the  natives 
Ipal  oiU9!en, 
staining  re- 

,  they  em- 
ions  of  tho 
lavior,  that 
d  houses  in 
isemhied  in 
lodgings,  ot 
y  admitted, 
d  they  havo 

d  the  signal 
nd  hastened 
I  his  sword 
»ther  arms, 
■agged  him 
long  tabic, 
uis  now?" 
tlie  rest  of 
shes  acrosK 
,  weakened 
)  table,  his 

is  misery^ 
irpetrated, 

enty-ninr 
le  French. 

tared  one 
Ivor  ononis 
[party  wsh 

they  had 
id'  be  ool' 

rith  grenl 

I,  and  by 

IS  to  exert 

endured 

w  river 

nearly 

Other 


towns  were  attacked,  many  persons  sliJn,  and  many  carried  iut6 
captivity*  llie  peace  of  Ryswicki  {n  1 697,  closed  Uie  distressing 
scene.  In  1708,  an  other  war  began,  which  continued  ten  years'. 
If'.  In  ]719,above  one  hundred  families, mostly  Presbyterians, 
emigrated  from  the  north  of  ^land,  and  settled  the  town  of 
Londonderry.  They  introduced  the  foot  spinning  wheel,  the 
manufacture  of  linen,  and  the  culture  of  potatoes.  They  were 
industrious,  hardy,  and  useful  citizens. 

16.  From  1722,  to  T726,  the  inhabitants  agahi  su^ered  tlie 
afflictions  of  an  Indian  war.  Following  the  example  of  tlio 
French,  the  government  offered  premiums  for  sca4)8,  which 
induced  several  volunteer  companies  to  undeilake  expcditiouH 
against  the  enemy.  One  of  these,  commanded  by  captain  Love- 
well,  was  greatly  distinguished,  at  first  by  its  successes,  and  after- 
wards by  its  misfortunes. 

17.  Long  after  the  transfer  from  Mason  to  Allen,  some  defect 
iu  the  conveyarro  -  :  discovered,  which  rendered  it  void.  In 
1746,  John  Tuftt  '  <on,  a  descendant  of  the  original  grantee, 
claiming  the  land..  |joMtissed  by  his  ancestors,  conveyed  thern> 
fbr  fifteen  hundred  pounds,  to  twelve  persons,  subsequently  called 
the  Masonian  proprietors.  They,  to  silence  opposition,  volun- 
tarily relinquished  their  claim  to  the  lands  already  occupied  by 
others. 

18.  Tliey  also  granted  townships  on  the  most  liberal  term«. 
Reserving  certain  portions  of  the  land  for  themselves,  for  the 
first  settled  ministers,  and  for  schools,  they  required  merely  that 
the  grantees  should,  within  a  Ibnited  time,  erect  mills  and  meet, 
ing  houses,  clear  out  roads,  and  settle  mhiisters  of  the  gospel. 
(n  process  of  time,  nearly  all  the  Masonian  lands,  being  about 
one  fourth  of  the  whole,  were,  in  this  manner,  granted ;  and 
contention  and  law  suits  ceased  to  distui1>  the  repos^,  and  to 
hnpcde  the  prosperity  of  the  colony. 


,^%^^l^.  • 


'f"  ,• 


• ; » 


« 


■  >!     ». 


-i's<?  ■■ 


,W»»v':r,;.^?. 


\-''.'i- 


CHAP7EK  IV. 


C  *  JVNECTICUT 


•.s^Mi!*--^/ 


•*?'.*"  i 


.  if  .  ■ 


iv 


/-' 


'  IN  1631,  Yisccunt  Sajr  and  Seal,  Lord  Brook,  and  others, 
obtained  from  tiie  Plymouth  Compar.jr,  in  Ei^land,  '*  grant  of 
the  territory  which  now  constitutes  the  state  of  Gonnejticnt;  and 
so  little  was  then  Icnown  of  the  geography  of  the  new  world,  that 
the  grant  was  made  to  extend,  in  longitude,  from  the  Atlantic 
Ocean  to  the  South  Sea.  In  the  same  year,  the  Indians,  living 
on  Connecticut  river,  having  invited  the  colony  of  Plymouth  to 
make  a  settlement  on  their  lands,  governor  Winslow,  and  others, 
visited  the  country,  and  selected  a  place  near  the  mouth  of  tlie 
little  river  in  Windsor,  for  the  erection  of  a  trading  house. 

2.  The  Dutch  at  New- York,  apprized  of  thib  project  of  the 
English,  and  determined  to  anticipate  them,  immediately  des- 
patched a  party,  who  erected  a  fort  at  Hartford.  In  September, 
1633,  a  company  from  Pljrmouth,  having  prepared  the  frame  ot' 
a  house,  put  it  on  board  a  vessel,  and,  passing  the  fort,  conveyed 
it  to  the  place  previously  selected.  In  October,  they  raised, 
covered,  and  fortified  it  with  palisades.  The  Dutch,  considering 
them  intruders,  sent,  the  next  year,  a  party  of  seventy  men  to 
drive  them  from  the  cotvutry,  but  finding  them  strongly  posted, 
thoy  relinquif^ed  the  design. 

*  r.  In  the  autumn  of  1635,  many  of  the  inhabitants  of  Dor- 
chester and  Watertown,  In  Massachusetts,  having  heard  of  the 
fertile  meadows  on  Gonneetlcut  river,  removed  thither,  and  be- 
gan settlements  at  Weattiersfield  and  Windsor.  During  the  next 
winter,  their  suflerinffs  from  famhie  were  extreme.  So  destitute 
were  they  of  provisions,  that  many,  in  dread  of  starvation,  re- 
turned, in  December,  to  Massachusetts.  In  their  journey  through 
the  dreary  wilderness,  at  this  inclement  season,  they  encountered 
indescribable  hardships. 

4.  In  the  same  autumn,  Mr.  Winthrop  arrived  from  England^ 
with  instructions  from  the  patentees  to  erect  a  fort  at  the  moutli 
of  the  river,  and  make  the  requisite  preparation  for  planting  a 
colony.  Tlie  fort  was  but  just  completed  when  a  party,  sent, 
for  the  same  purpose,  by  the  Dutch,  at  New-York,  arrived  in 
a  vessel,  but  were  not  pernitted  to  laid. 

6.  The  nexi  spring,  those  who  had  been  compelled  bv  famine 
Hq  nviiit  MsoMacnuseltSi  returned  to  Connecticut.    In  June)  (he 


CONNECTICUT. 


67 


Reverend  Mr.  Hooker,  of  Cambridge,  and  about  one  hundred 
men,  women,  and  children,  belonging  to  his  congregation,  tra- 
vellicg  through  thct  wilderness,  liid  the  foundation  of  Harlford. 
They  were  nearly  two  weeks  on  their  journey ;  they  drov:e  their 
cattle  with  them,  and  subsisted^by  the  way,  upon  the  milk  of  tfaeii* 
cows. 

6.  In  1637,  all  the  settlements  in  New^England  were  involved 
in  hostilities  with  the  Pequods,  ft  tribe  of  Indians  inhabiting  New^ 
London  and  the  country  around  it.  Some  account  of  ^is  war 
has  been  given  hi  the  history  of  Massachusetts..  Previous  to  any 
expedition  against  them,  they  had  killed  many  of  the  emigrants 
to  Connecticut,  had  captured  others,  and  tortured  them  to  death. 
In  the  short  war  which  followed,  their  surviving  brethren,  for 
bravery  in  battle  and  fortitude  in  suffering,  were  not  surpassed 
by  any  portion  of  the  English  troopsi 

7.  At  first,  the  emigrants  acknowledged  the  authority  of  Mas- 
sachusetts. In  January,  1639,  the  freemen,  having  convened  at 
Hartford,  adopted  a  constitution  for  themselves.  They  erdainecl 
that  two  general  courts,  or  assemblies,  should  be  held  aimuiEiUy, 
one  in  April,  the  otlter  in  September ;  that  at  the  eourt  held  m 
April,  styled  the  court  of  election,  the  fVeemen  should  choose  a 
governor,  six  magistrates,  and  all  the  public  officers ;  that  to  Uio 
Qther^  the  seveinu  towns  should  send  deputies,  who,  in  conjunc- 
Uon  with  the  gdvdmoi*  and  magistrates,  were  auAhoriseed  to  engct 
laws,  and  perform  all  necesswy  public  wr^Ices.  No  general 
court  could  be  adjourned  or  disiolved,  wUbout  th^  consent  of  « 
major  part  of  the  members. 

8.  In  the  same  year,  George  Fenwick,  ono  of  the jwitenteefy 
came  over  with  his  family,  and  settled  at  the  mouth  of^the  riveri 
In  honor  of  Lord  Sav  and  Seal,  and  Lord  Brook,  he  called  tiio 
place  Sayhrook.  Others  afterwards  joined  him ;  and  for  several 
years,  they  were  governed  by  their  own  magistrates  and  laws. 
Jn  1644,  Mr.  Fenwick,  for  seven  thousand  dollars,  assigned  to 
the  general  court  of  Connecticut,  the  fort  at  Saybrook,  tuid  oil 
the  rights  conferreri  by  th<a  patent  fVom  the  Plymoutli  company 
In  England.  This  settlement  then  became  a  part  of  the  colo- 
nv.  The  claim  of  Plymouth  colony,  founded  upon  their  hav!n^ 
ni-st  made  an  establishment  at  Windsor,  had  been  previously  pur- 
chased. 

9.  In  the  mean  time,  an  other  colony  had  be^n  planted  within 
the  liniits  of  the  Connecticut  patent.  In  June,  1687,  two  large 
tihips  arrived  at  Boston,  fVom  England,  having  on  board  Mr. 
Dav  "nport,  Mr.  Eaton,  and  many  others,  whom  pious  motives 
had  impelled  to  emigrate  to  N««w-England.  Being  highly  re- 
spectable, and  some  of  tii«.a  possessing  great  wealth,  tlie  gencnU 


58 


CONNECTICUT. 


court  of  Massachusetts,  desirous  of  detaining  tfaem  in  the  colonj, 
offei«d  them  any  place  they  might  select  for  a  plantation.    '>^ 

10.  Wishing,  however,  to  in^tute  a  civil  ao'<  religious  cotn" 
munity,  conforming  in  all  thhigs  to  theh*  peculiar  principles,  they 
removed,  the  next  year,  to  Qumnipiac,  which  they  called  New- 
Haven.  Soon  after  their  arrival,  at  the  close  of  a  day  of  fastmg 
and  prayer,  they  subscriv  what  they  termed  a  plantation  cove- 
nant, solemnly  binding  t!  selves,  **  until  otherwise  ordered,  to 
be  governed  in  all  things,  at  a  civil  as  well  as  religious  concern, 
bv  the  rules  which  the  scripture  held  forth  to  them."  They  pur- 
chased of  the  natives,  large  tracts  of  land  ;  and  laid  out  meir 
town  in  squares,  designing  it  for  a  great  tmd  elegant  city. 

11.  In  1639,  all  the  free  planters,  assembled  in  a  large'  bam, 
proceeded  to  lay  the  foundation  of  their  civil  and  relidous  polity. 
They  resolved  that  none  but  church  members  should  be  allowed 
the  privile,t|;e  of  vothig,  or  be  elected  to  office  ;  that  all  the  free- 
men should  annually  assemble  and  elect  the  officers  of  Uie  colo- 
ny ;  and  that  the  word  of  God  should  be  Uie  only  rule  for  order- 
ing the  affairs  of  the  commonwealth.  Such  was  the  orighial 
constitution  of  New-Haven;  but  as  the  population  increased,  and 
new  towns  were  settled,  different  regulations  were  adopted,  and 
the  institutions  and  laws  became  gradually  assimilated  to  tbos«  of 

Connecticut,  >;^>:v.'7r,---7-*':/:^'iT"v.,;   -i:!-^'-,?i/:-n  . 

12.  With  the"'Dutch  at  New-Tork,  both  colonies  had  constant 
and  vexatious  disputes.  The  former  clahned  all  the  territory 
as  far  east  as  Connecticut  river ;  the  latter  complained  that  the 
Dutch  often  plundered  their  property ;  that  they  sold  guns  anc! 
ammunition  to  the  Indians,  and  even  encouraffed  them  to  make 
war  upon  the  English.  The  fear  of  attack  from  that  quarter, 
was  one  of  the  reasons  which,  in  1643,  induced  the  colonies  of 
New-England  to  form  a  confed*  "ation  for  their  mutual  defence. 
-^18.  In  1650,  a  treaty  of  amity  and  partition  was  concluded  at 
Hartford,  between  the  English  and  Dutch,  the  latter  relinouish- 
ing  their  claim  to  the  territory  of  Connecticut,  except  the  lands 
which  thev  actually  occupied.  Soon  after,  England  and  Holland 
were  involved  in  war  witn  each  other,  but  their  colonies  in  Ame- 
rica agreed  to  remain  at  peace.  Notwithstanding  this  agreement, 
the  Dutch  governor  was  detected  in  concerting  with  the  Indians 
a  plot  for  the  total  extirpation  of  the  English. 

14.  Connecticut  and  New-Haven  were  alarmed ;  a  meeting  of 
the  commissioners  of  the  united  colonies,  was  called,  and  evidence 
of  the  plot  laid  before  them.  A  majority  was  in  favor  of  war ; 
but  the  colony  of  Massachusetts,  being  remote  from  the  danger, 
was  averse  to  it.  As  she  was  much  stronger  than  either  of  the 
others,  it  was,  at  the  suggestion  of  her  df  putiei,  resolvedi  that 


CONNECTICtrr. 


u 


agents  should  first  be  sent  to  demand  of  the  Dutch  governor  an 
explanation  of  his  conduct 

15.  The  agents  obtauied  no  satisftu^iy  explanation.  ^  On 
their  return,  an  other  meeting  of  the  commissioners  was  held  at 
Boston,  additional  testimony  was  laid  before  them,  and  several 
ministers  of  Massachusetts  were  invited  to  assist  at  theur  deUbera* 
tions,  a  practice  not  unusual  at  that  period. 

16.  The  opinion  of  tiiese  ministers  befaig  requested,  they  ob- 
served, "  ttiat  the  proofs  of  the  ekecrable  plot,  tending  to  the 
destruction  of  the  dear  saints  of  God,  were  of  such  weight  as  to 
biduce  them  to  believe  the  reality  of  it;  y«t  they  were  not  so 
fully  conclusive  as  to  bear  up  their  hearts  with  the  fulness  of 
persuasion  which  was  meet  in  conunending  the  cas^  to  God  in 
prayer,  ami  to  the  people  in  exhortations ;  and  that  it  would  be 
safest  for  the  colonies  to  forbear  the  use  of  the  sword.'' 

17.  But  all  the  commissioners,  except  one,  were  of  opinion 
that  recent  aggressions  jusUiied,  and  self  preservation  dictated,  an 
appeal  to  the  sword.  They  were  about  to  declare  war,  when  the 
general  court  of  Massachusetts,  hi  direct  violation  of  one  of  the 
urticles  of  the  confederation,  resolved,  **  that  no  determination 
of  the  commissioners,  though  all  should  agree,  should  bind  the 
colony  to  engage  in  hostilities." 

18.  At  this  declaration,  Connecticut  and  New-Haven  felt 
alarmed  and  indignant.  They  considered  the  other  colonies  too 
weak,  without  the  assistance  of  Massachusetts,  to  contend  with 
the  Dutch  and  their  Indian  allies.  They  argued,  entreated,  and 
remonstrated,  but  she  continued  inflexible.  Thev  then  repre- 
sented their  danger  to  Cromwell,  and  implored  his  assistance. 
He,  with  his  usual  promptitude,  sent  a  fleet  for  their  protection, 
and  for  the  conouest  of  their  wAcmies ;  but  peace  in  Europe,  In- 
telligence of  which  reached  New-Ensland  soon  after  the  arrival 
of  the  fleet,  saved  the  Dutch  from  subjugation,  and  relieved  ttic 
colonies  from  the  dread  of  massacre. 

19.  Ai\er  Charles  the  second  viras  restored  to  the  throne« 
Connecticut  applied  to  him  for  a  royal  charter.  A  trifling  cir- 
cumstance induced  htm,  forgetting  all  his  arbitrair  maxims,  to 
comply  with  her  wishes  to  their  utmost  extent.  Her  agent,  Mr. 
Winthrop,  having  an  extraordinary  ring,  which  had  been  given 
to  his  grandfather  by  Charles  the  first,  presented  it  to  his  son. 
He  immediately  granted  a  charter,  more  liberal  in  its  provisions 
Uian  any  that  had  yet  been  granted,  and  confirmhig,  in  every 
particular,  the  constitution  which  the  people  had  themselves 
adopted. 

SO.  This  charter  comprehended  New-Haven ;  but,  for  several 
yean,  the  people  of  that  colony  utterly  refused  to  consent  to  the 


I&O 


CDNNECTICtrr. 


union.  In  this  opposition  to  the  commands  of  the  king,  and  the 
remonstrances  of  Connecticut,  they  persevered  until  1665,  when 
the  ajmrehension  of  the  appointment  of  a  general  governor^  and 
of  their  being  united  with  some  other  colony,  having  a  charter 
less  favorable  to  liber^,  impeUed  them,  though  reluctantly,  to 
yield. 

21.  In  (he  war  \AiSi  Philip,  which  bcwan  in  1675,  Connecticut 
suffered  less  than  her  sister  clonics.  Her  aid,  however,  hi  full 
proportion  to  her  strength,  was  always  fireely  afforded ;  and  no 
troops  tiurpfissed  her  vohmteers  in  bravery  and  ent^rise.  A 
large  number,  and  many  of  them  officers,  were  killed  at  the 
assault  upon  the  fort  at  Naii-sittanset. 

22.  In  168l|»khig  James  the  second,  desirous  of  annulling, 
not  only  the  clmrterB  which  had  been  gran' 3d  to  his  English 
cities,  but  those  also  which  had  lieen  granted  to  his  American 
colonies,  summoned  the  governor  of  Connecticut  to  appear  and 
show  cause  why  her  charter  should  not  be  declared  void.  And 
Sir  Edmund  Andross,  who  hnd  been  appointed  governor  of  New* 
England)  advised  the  colony,  as  the  course  best  calculated  to 
ensure  the  good  will  of  his  majesty,  to  resign  it  voluntarily  mto 
his  hands,  he  having  been  histructed  to  receive  it.  But  the  people 
estimated  too  highly  the  privileges  it  conferred  to  surrender  it 
until  Mcessity  compelled  them.  'f^^, 

28.  Sir  Edmund,  therefore,  repah^d,  with  a  body  of  troops, 
to  Hutibrd,  when  the  assembly  were  in  session,  and  demanded 
of  them  the  charter.*  They  hesitated  and  debated  until  evening. 
It  was  then  produced  and  laid  upon  the  table,  a  large  number  of 
people  being  present.  Suddenly,  the  candles  were  extinguished. 
Witii  counterfeited  haste,  they  were  again  relighted ;  but  the 
charter  could  no  where  be  founds.  In  the  dark,  it  had  been 
privately  carried  off,  by  a  captain  Wadsworth,  and  concealed  in 
a  hollow  tree.  Sir  Edmund,  however,  assumed  the  government 
of  the  colony,  and  ruled  with  the  same  absolute  sway,  though  not 
with  the  same  oppressive  tyranny,  as  in  Massachusetts. 

24.  When  James  was  driven  iVom  his  throne  and  kingdom, 
and  his  governor  deposed^  Connecticut  resumed  her  former 
government.  Tiie  ussembly  voted  a  flattering  address  to  king 
William^  The  suit,  instituted  for  the  purpose  of  annulling  her 
chaiier,  was  abandoned ;  and  her  inhabitants,  while  enjoying 
greater  privileges  than  any  of  their  brathren,  had  reason  to  con- 
gratulate themselves  upon  their  address  and  good  fortune  in 
preservbig  them. 

25.  But,  not  long  afterwards,  they  were  again  called  upon  to 
defend  these  privileges  from  encroachment.  In  1692,  colonel 
Fletcher  was  appointed  governor  of  New- York,  and  was  autho" 


r 


fi.-.. 


Mat 


esimkymw: 


<• 


coloiMil  fU^U^  Mlj^midf  ii^  DMtfei^  •!$#  )i«^pAr6^  dia9  ^ 

was  resoktety  reftued.  H#  mdi  oiiter«d  ^  atetehtodjl  df  iltf 
city  to  be  assembled.  This  being  done,  he  appeared  before  them, 
and  direc'ed  his  aid  to  read  to  them  his  oommission  and  inatruc- 
tioQs  firom  the  king.  »      4 

27.  Captain  Wadsworth,  the  anddr  officer  of  the  militia  pre- 
sent instanliy  ordered  the  droms  tili^^ 

that  nothing  dse  c6uld  be  ^ifiH^^  €flbt«liletch&  commanded 
silence;  and  a^^ain  liis  aid  began  to  read.  ^'Brum,  drumi  I  say," 
exclaimed  Wadsw(»1h»  and  a  command  so  acceptable  to  the 
players,  was  obeyed' vHlli. Spirit  Once  more  the  colonel  com- 
manded silence,  and  a  pause  ensued.  "  Drum,  drum,  I  say,'* 
cried  the  cs^iitain)  and  turning  to  governor  Fletcher,  addrened 
him,  wiA  energy  in  his  voice  «nd  meaning  in  his  looks,  **  HI 
am  faiterrupted  agab,  I  will  make  the  sun  shine  through  yotf  br 
a  moment'' 

28.  Deeming  it  unwise  to  contend  ^ith  such  a  spirit,  coloMf 
Fletcher  desisted,  leh  Jflartfbrd  the  next  idght,  and  returned  to 
New-York.  A  rq>resentatibn  of  iinb  opposing  claims  beiitg 
made  to  the  k^,  he  decfdtecT  tiHat  the  governor  df  Conne<^eut 
should  have  the  command  of  the  militia ;  but  in  time  of  war,  « 
certain  number  shoiUd  be  placed  under  the  orders  of  Fletcher. 

29.  In  17^,  f  ale  colleae  was  founded.  It  owes  iti  existence 
to  the  beneficence  and  nitblic  spirit  of  the  eldi^.  It  ttras  &«t 
established  at  Saybroek;  and,  in  1709,  the  first  degrees  wett 
there  conferred.  EUku  Tale  made  several  donations  to  the  In- 
i3titution,«nd  from  him  it  derives  the  name  it  bears.  A  succession 
of  able  instiruetora  has  raised  it  to  the  second  rank  among  the 
literary  institutions  of  the  country. 

80.  In  1708|  an  act  was  passed  by  the  legislature,  requiring 
the  ministers  mad  delegates  of  churches  to  meet  and  form  an 
ecelesiastioal  constitution  for  the  colony.  A  meeting  was  hi  con* 
sequence  held  at  Saybrook,  the  result  of  which  wiui  the  celebt«> 
ted  Saybrook  platform.  At  the  subsequent  sesstoki  of  the  legists* 
ture,  it  was  enacted  that  all  the  churches,  united  aceofdlag  to 
this  platform,  should  be  owned  as  established  by  law,  aUowmi. 
however,  to  other  churohes,  the  right  of  exercising  worship  a|i4 
discipline  in  their  own  way,  aceordlng  to  their  consciences. 

81.  In  thi  sevenil  abortive  attempts  to  reduce  the  ftmf^ 

F 


ea 


AHOPEISLAKD 


aettlgintBtii  fa  Canada,  and  in  the  eiqp«Ution  agaioBt  Lduisburg, 
Gonneotipiilfiihiiahed  her  fiiU  ^ota  of  tropps,  and  h^  her  pro- 
portioa  of  th»  ejqpamna.  Of  tOMe,  »iiiirtonr  is  elsewhere  given. 
After  the  death  of  Phil^,  meet  of  4>e  Inxuaiis  abandoned  her 
tenritoi7,  and  seldom  retomed  to  molest  the  inhabitants ;  who, 
living  In  the  eiv<'}^^iit  of  allf  the  privileges  they  dMired,  fejt  no 
uidncement,  and  were  afforded  no  opportxinitjr,  to  perform  audi 
actions  as  enliven  the  pages  of  liiQtoiy. 


CHAPTER  V. 


RHODE  ISLAND. 


ROGER  WILLIAMS,  who  was  banished  from  Maasadiu* 
setts,  for  avowing  the  doctrine,  that  the  civil  magistrate  is  bomid 
to  grant  equal  protection  to  every  denomination  of  christians,  a 
doctrine  too  liberal  for  the  age  in  which  he  lived,  repaired  to 
Seeconk,  where  he  procured  a  grant  of  land  from  the  Indians. 
Being  informed,  by  the  governor  of  Plymouth,  that  the  land  was 
within  dbe  limits  of  that  colony,  he  proceeded  to  Mooshausic, 
where,  hi  1636,  with  those  friends  who  followed  hhn,  he  began 
a  plantation^ 

2.  He  purchased  the  land  of  the  Indians,  and,  in  grateful 
acloiowledgment  of  the  kindness  of  heaven,  he  called  the  place 
Providence.  Acting  in  conformity  with  tiie  Wise  and  lioeral 
principle,  for  avowing  and  maintaining  which,  he  had  suffered 
banishment,  he  allowed  entire  freedom  of  conscience  to  all  who 
came  within  hb  borders.  And  to  hhn  must  be  given  the  glory 
of  having  first  set  a  practical  example  of  the  equu  toleration  of 
all  religious  sects  in  the  same  political  community. 

8.  His  benevolence  was  not  confined  to  his  civilized  brethren. 
He  labored  to  enlighten,  hnprove,  and  conciliate  the  savages. 
He  learned  their  language,  travelled  amonff  them,  and  gained 
the  entire  confidence  of  weir  chiefs.  He  had  often  the  hap- 
piness, by  his  influence  over  them,  of  saving  from  injury  the 
colony  that  had  proclaimed  him  an  outlaw,  and  driven  him  into 
the  wilderness. 

4.  In  1688,  William  Ceddington,  and  seventeen  others,  beinff 
penecutttd  for  their  religious  tenets  in  Mamachusetts,  followed 


RHODE  ISLAND. 


ea 


Williams  to  Providence.  By  hb  advice,  thejrpufchaded  of  the 
Indiiuss  the  island  of  Aqiietnec,  now  called  Rhode  Idand,  and 
v^moved  thither.  Godd^gton  ^vsis  chosen  their  judge,  or  chief 
magistrate.  The  fertUitj  of  the  soil,  and  the  toleration  of  all 
chiistian  sects,  attracted  mlmerous  emiigra&ts  from  the  adjacent: 
settlemento^  -^'V       ! 

5.  When  tf\e  New^Eng^and  colonies,  in  1643,  foiined  their 
memorable  confederacy,  Rhode  Island  applied  to  be  admitted  a 
member.  Plymouth  objected;  asserting  that  the  settlements 
were  within  her  bpund^es.  The  commissioners  decided  that 
Rhode  Idand  mlj^t  ei\joy  all  the  advantages  of  the  confederacy, 
if  she  would  submit  to  the  jurisdiction  of  Plymouth.  She  de>- 
clmed,  proudly  preferring  mdependence  jpF  all  the  benefits  of. 
dependent  union. 

6.  In  1644,  WiUianis,  having  been  sent  to  England  as  agent 
for  both  settlements,  obtained  of  the  Plymouth  company,  a  patent 
for  the  territory,  and  permission  for  the  inhabitants  to  institute  a 
government  for  themselves.  In  1647,  delegates  chosen  by  the 
freemer ,  held  a  general  assembly  at  Portsmouth,  organized  a 
government,  and  established  a  code  of  laWs.  The  executive 
power  was  confided  to  a  president  and  four  assistants. 

7.  Upon  the  application  of  the. inhabitants,  the  Idng,  in  1668, 
granted  a  charter  to  Rhode  Island  and  Providence  Planfartions. 
The  supreme,  or  1p  ''^laUve  power,  was  to  be  exercised  by  an 
assembly,  which  was  to  consist  of  the  governor,  of  ten  assistants, 
and  of  representatives  from  the  aeverol  towus,  all  to  be  chosen 
by  the  freemen.  This  assembly  granted  to  all  christism  sects, 
except  Roman  Catholics,  the  right  of  voting.  In  1665,  they 
authorized,  by  law,  the  seizure  of  the  estates  of  Quakers,  who 
refused  to  as£|ist  in  defending  the  colony ;  but  this  law,  being  ge> 
nerally  condemned  by  the  people,  was  never  executed. 

8.  When  Andross  was  made  governor  oveir  New-England,  he 
dissolved  the  charter  government  of  Rhode  liquid,  and  ruled  the 
colony,  with  the  assistance  of  a  council  appRnted  by  himselC 
After  he  was  imprisoned,  at  Boston,  the  freemen  met  at  New- 
port, uid  voted  to  resume  their  chttrter.  All  the  officers  vi^o» 
three  years  before,  had  been  displaced,  were  restored. 

9.  The  benevolence,  justice,  and  pacific  policy  of  WiUtamcr, 
secured  to  the  colony  an  almost  total  exemption  from  Indian 
hostility.  In  1780,  the  number  of  inhabitants  was  18,000;  in 
1761,  it  was  40,000.  Brown  university  was  founded,  %t  War- 
ren, in  1764,  and  was  removed,  a  few  years  after,  to  Providence. 
Its  founder  was  Nicholas  Bro^vn,  who  gave  to  the  InstitutioA  five 
thousand  doUai's. 


Ilf  11609)  ^ejavj  Hudson,  an  EngUshman,  tmfe  sailing  In  the 
Sttiyice  of  ^«  Duich  East  India  Company,  diseotvered  Long 
Is^liful,  the  haxl^or  of  |few-York,  aiid  the  riter  to  whio6  his  name 
hlishi^  given*  bi  1618,  several  Dutch  merdtants,  to  whom 
,  t^^  repmblio  of  Hollaniyhad  granted  the  exclu^Vie  light  of  trading 
to  this  part  of  Am&Aek,  erected  a  fort  near  Albany,  which  Aey 
naine4  fi>vt  (hmnge,  and  a  few  trading  houses  pa  the  idand  of 
Key*Yorfc,  then  Jcafted^  by  ^6  Indiians,  Manhattan. 

iS).  m  ^  siune  year,  cwtain  Araal,  who  had  beOn  sent  by 
l^inyi^t^to  drive^^e  F^  froin  theh' settfements  on  the  bay 
Of  1ma4f,  y|si)bed,  on  his  return,  the  Dutch  on  tfudson^s  river. 
Glairing  th^  eountiy  for  his  nation,  by  right  of  prior  discovery, 
he  demanded  their  aqknowledgniient  of  its  attthoiity.  Being  few 
19  jiiwnher,  they  prudenUy  submitted,  witlioiut  attempthi|  to  resist. 

^.  3ut,  receiving  a  reinforcement,  the  next  year,  tibey  agahi 
Mierted  the  right  of  HoUahd  to  the  country,  and  erected  fort 
An^sterdam,  on  the  souUi  end  of  the  island.  The  English,  fOr 
qwogr  yeaie,  ibrebore  to  interfere  in  their  pursuits  or  dtdms.  In 
1681,  the  republic,  deGorous  of  fbunding  a  colony  in  America, 
graitled  to  the  Dutch  WeAt  India  company,  an  extensive  territory 
qn  both  i^es  of  the  Hudson.  The  country  was  called  New 
Netheriands..  The  boundarijBS  were  not  accurately  defined,  but 
were  considered,  ^  the  company,  as  including  Connecticut  river 
a^  kbiia  north,  and  Delaware  river  at  the  south. 

4,  In  1683,  thev  erected  a  fort  on  the  Delaware,  which  they 
<:ii|lild  Nassau ;  1^,  ten  years  afterwards,  an  other  on  the  Con- 
nooticut,  which  l^ey  called  Good  Hope.  Near  the  former,  the 
l^VfOdM  h|ul  a  setttement.  From  the  interfering  claims  of  thc^ 
two  nations,  qparrels  arose  between  the  settlers,  which,  i^er  con- 
Ul^whag  aevwal  years,  termina|ed  hi  the  subjugation  of  the  Swedes. 
Towards  the  fort  on  the  Connecticut,  the  seMements  of  the  Eng- 
lish impidly  approached,  and  soon  occasioned  disputes,  which  had 
a  longer  duration  and  a  different  result. 

5*  The  Dutch  did  not  escape  the  calamity  of  war  with  the 
MMPages.  Hortilities  commenced  in  1648,  continued  several 
years,  and  were  very  destructive  to  both  parties.  William  Kiefl, 
4be  governor  of  the  New  Netherlands,  invited  captain  UnderliiU,, 


NJn^-TORK. 


66 


who  \aa  been  a  sokiier  in  Knrooe^  an4  had  made  hinutelf  eoifl]pi- 
CU0I18  hk  New-Hamp8Mil|^7  "is  eceentricities  in  religion  and 
o<Jndact,feo  take  conunm  of^s  troops*  CoHeoting  a  flying 
party  of  one  httndred  and  fil^  men,  he  wasenabM  to  prei^nre 
(t»  Butch  bettlementB  from  total  destnictii>n^  The  number  of 
IndiamS)  vvhom  lie  killed  jn  the  course  of  tli^  war,  was  snppoeed 
to  exceed  four  hundred.  In  1^46,  a  se?ere  battle  was  fouAt  im 
that  part  of  Horse-neck  called  Strickland's  Plain.  The  Dutch 
were  vicarious ;  on  both  sides  great  numbers  were  slain ;  and  for 
a  century  afterwards  the  graves  of  the  dead  were  di^cUy  visible. 

6.  In  1660,  l^et^r  Stuyvesant,  then  the  able  governor  of  the 
New  Netherlands,  met  the  commiasioneni  of  the  New-£n|lan<I 
colonies  at  Hartford,  where,  after  much  aHereation,  a  line  of  p^Ti- 
tition  between  theie  respective  territories  was  fixed  by  mutual 
2(greement.  Long  Island  vras  divided  between  them ;  the  Dutch 
retidned  the  Imds  which  they  occupied  in  Oonnectieut^  surrender- 
ing their  claim  to  the  residue. 

7.  But  Charles  the  second,  denying  their  ri^t  to  any  porUon 
of  the  country,  determined  to  eiqpel  them  from  it«  tn  1664,  he 
granted  to  his  brother,  the  Duke  of  Yoik  and  Albany,  sdl  the 
territory  between  Nova«>Scotia  and  Ddaware  Bay ;  and  though 
England  and  Holland  were  then  at  peace,  immediately  sent  three 
ships  and  three  hundred  troops  to  put  him  in  possession  of  his 
gnuit.  Colonel  Robert  Nichols  conducted  the  expedition^  The 
squadron,  having  visited  Boston,  reached  the  place  of  its  destiny* 
tion  in  August 

8.  The  commander  summoned  governor  Stuyvesant  to  surren- 
der the  town,  promising  to  secure  to  the  inhabitants  their  lives, 
liberty,  and  property.  At  first,  he  refused ;  but  the  madstrates 
and  people,  aUured  by  the  profiered  terms,  eonstrained  hir»  to 
consent  Fort  Orange  surrendered,  soon  after,  to  Sir  Ge^'yc 
Carteret  In  compliment  to  the  Dtike,  the  name,  Manhattan, 
was  changed  to  New-York,  and  Orange  to  Albany. 

9.  Nichols  assumed  the  government  of  the  country  he  had 
conauered,  and  continued,  for  three  years,  to  rule  over  it,  with 
absolute  power,  but  with  great  lenity  and  justice.  During  hir 
odnUnistntion,  New- York  was  made  a  city.  Upon  his  return  to 
England,  he  was  succeeded  by  Colonel  Lovdtee,  who  adminis- 
tered the  government  with  equal  moderation. 

10.  In  1678,  England  and  Holland  being  then  at  iimr,  a  few 
Dutch  ships  were  aespatched  to  reconquer  t^e  country.  On 
their  arrival  at  Staten  Island,  a  short  distance  fhom  the  city,  John 
Manning,  who  had  command  of  the  fort,  sent  down  a  messenger 
titd  tnachnrouily  made  terms  with  tb«  enemy.     The  Dulch 

F2 


66 


KilW.TOfti:. 


Bailed  up  the  hai^p)  landed  tliii»  iMii,  and  tedc  posBessioii  of  tite 
fort  antf  otty,  wit^eut  fi)plii|f  oi»  ti6«ifii|r  •  «lMt 

II.  Capteitt  A]ithc;qr  C6hr«%af  aMkitad  governor,  but  he^ 
fetained  the  auUtorilr  fbr  a  few  i£»Mlbi  dnfy*  The  next  year^ 
pMce  was  eondudod,  ami  the  eounirjr  restored  to  the  En^iih. 
The  Duke  ohtafaied  a  new  patent,  conArnUng  histiHe  to  the  nro- 
vinee,  and  appofoted  majot  AndfOM)  the  same  who  was  after- 
wards the  brrant  of  New-England,  to  be  governor  over  his  ter- 
ritories hi  America. 

lau  Neither  the  admhiistration  of  Andross,  nor  that  of  his 
mtctmw,  Anthony  Brockholst, was dirtinsiiished: by  any  remaric. 
able  event.  In  1682,  Colonel  Thomas  Dongan,  who,  as  well  as 
the  Duke,  was  a  Roman  Catholic,  was  appomted  governor,  and 
the  next  year  arrivdl  in  the  colony.  Until  this  time,  the  ^[over- 
nor  and  eourcil  had  possessed  ribsolute  power.  The  ix^abitants, 
who,  whether  ^tch  or  English,  were  born  the  subjects  of  a  state 
comparathrely  k'ree,  havhnff,  in  an  address  to  the  Duke,  claimed  a 
share  in  the  feffkAative  auUiority,  colonel  Dongan  was  directed  to 
allow  the  flFeeholders  to  meet  and  choose  representatives. 

18.  On  the  17th  of  October,  the  first  assembly  met,  consisting 
of  the  council  ai^d  eighteen  representatives.  Bv  the  declaration 
of  the  «ovemor,  they  were  invested  with  the  sole  power  of  en- 
acthig  laws  and  levying  taxes ;  but  the  laws  could  hava  no  force 
until  ratified  by  the  Duke.  With  this  participation  of  power, 
the  people  were  gratlfled  and  contented ;  and  the  colony  began 
to  ei\joy^the  ineswnable  advantases  of  a  resular  government. 

14.  The  Ulterior  of  N^w-Tow  was  orl^ally  bhabited  by  a 
confedem  ?y  which  consisted  at  first  of  five,  and  afterwards  of  six, 
nations  of  Indians.  This  confederacy  was  formed  for  mutual  de- 
fence against  the  Algonaulns,  a  powerful  Canadian  nation,  and 
displaymi  much  cf  the  wisdom  and  sagacity  which  mark  the  in- 
stitutions of  a  civilhEed  people.  Bv  thefar  union,  tliey  had  become 
formidable  to  the  surrouniding  tribes.  Bebig  the  allies  of  the 
English,  the  French  were  altirmed  at  their  successes,  and  b<!- 
Came  jealous  of  their  power. 

IS*  In  1684,  De  la  Barre,  the  governor  of  Canada,  mairched 
to  attack  them,  with  an  army  of  seventeen  hundred  men.  His 
troops  suffered  so  much  fl^m  hardships,  flmlne,  and  sickness, 
that  ne  was  compelled  to  ask  peace  of  ttiose  whom  he  had  come 
to  exterminate.  He  invited  the  chleft  of  the  five  nattoos  to  meet 
iiim  at  hifi  camp,  and  those  of  three  of  them  accented  the  invita- 
tion. Standing  in  a  olrele,  formed  by  the  ohiea  and  Us  own 
fBcvrs,  he  addressed  a  speech  to  OarrangiUa,  of  the  Onondaeo 
tribe,  hi  which  be  aceustd  the  co&Mr  rates  of  oonduottaig  the 


» 


NBW^ro&K. 


ft> 


SttgUih  to  tbe  cndiag  gnraadi  ^  tbe  Frensh,  and  tiureatcned 
them  with  war  and  <iit«r«liiatfa^  If  they  did  not  alter  their 
behavior.  v 

10.  Ganrangala,kiiowiiiig!lliedi8trenei6f  the  French  tit^ 
heard  these  threalB  wUh  contempt*  After  ^"^dUng  five  or  eix 
thnea  round  the  drele,  he  addreewd  the  lollewug  bold  and 
sarcastic  language  to  Jh  la  Barre)  calUng  Mm  Toimondio,  and 
the  English  governor,  Corlear. 

17.  **  Tonnondio,  I  honor  you,  and  the  waniers  that  are  with 
me  Okewise  honor  you.  Tour  Interpreter  has  finished  your 
speech ;  I  now  begb  mine.  My  wonis  make  haste  to  reach 
year  ears ;  hearicen  to  Aem.  TonnondlOt  you  must  have  believ- 
ed, when  you  left  Quebec,  that  the  sun  Iwd  consumed  all  .the 
forests  which  render  our  countiy  Inaccessible  to  the  SVench,  or 
that  the  great  lakes  had  overflown  thefap  banks  and  surrounded 
our  castles,  so  that  It  was  impossible  for  us  to  get  out  of  them. 
Yes,  Yonnondlo,  you  must  have  dreamed  so,  aiul  the  curiosity  oi 
so  i^reat  t«  wonder  has  brought  vou  so  far.  Now  you  are  unde- 
ceived, for  I,  and  the  warriors  here  present,  are  come  to  assure 
you,  that  the  Senecas,  Cayugas,  Onendagas,  Oneydoes,  and 
Mohawks,  are  yet  alive. 

18.  "  I  thank  ycu,  in  their  name,  for  brtnghigbaek  Into  their 
country  the  pipe  of  peace,  which  your  predeeesaor  received  firom 
their  hands.  It  was  happv  for  you  that  you  left  under  ground 
that  murderinff  hx'xhet  which  has  been  so  often  dyed  hi  the 
blood  of  the  French.  Hear,  Yonnondlo,  I  do  not  sleep ;  I  have 
my  eyet  open,  and  the  sun  whieh  enlightens  me,  discovers  to  me 
a  great  captain,  at  the  head  of  a  company  of  soldiers,  who  speaJc» 
as  if  he  was  dreaming.  He  says  thai  he  only  came  to  smolce 
the  great  pipe  of  peace,  with  the  Onondagas.  But  OarranguJa 
flays,  that  ne  sees  the  contrary ;  that  It  was  to  knock  them  on 
the  head.  If  sickness  had  not  wealcened  the  arms  of  the  French. 

10.  "  We  carried  the  English  to  our  Lakes,  to  tade  there 
with  the  Utawawas,  and  Quatoghles,  aa  the  AdfaH>ndacs  brought 
the  French  to  our  castles  to  carry  on  a  trade  which  the  Englifih 
say  Is  thehv.  We  are  bom  fVee ;  we  neither  depend  on  Yon- 
nondlo nor  Corlear.  We  may  go  where  w^  please,  and  hny 
and  sell  what  we  please.  If  your  alUea  are  your  slaves,  use  them 
as  such  (  command  them  to  receive  no  other  but  your  people. 

80.  *'  Hear,  Yonnondlo  \  what  I  say  la  tike  volee  of  all  the 
Fhre  Nations.  When  they  burled  the  hatohot  at  Oadimoul,  in 
the  mkklle  of  thefort,  thev  planted  the  tree  of  peaoe  hi  the  same 

{»teoe,  to  be  there  careAiUy  preserved,  that  Imtend  of  a  rstraet 
br :  ildien,  the  fort  mlflht  be  a  rendeevous  for  merehanti.  Ttk6 
cart  thUt  the  many  sdalen  who  appear  there,  do  not  choke  the 


OfH  N^W-YORK. 

tree  of  peace,  and  prevent  it  from  eoTering  your  country,  sinci  oui» 
with  its  branches.  lajwure  youtbal:Our  warriors  abaU  dance 
under  its  leaves,  and  will  never  dig  up  the  hatchet  to  cut  it  down, 
tUI  their  brother  Yonnondio  or  Oorlear  shall  invade  the  countiy 
:vhich  the  Great  Spirit  has  given  to  9ur  ancestors." 

21.  De  la  Baire  was  momfied  and  enfvged  at  this  bold  reply ; 
but,  submittfaig  to  necessity,  he  concluded  a  trea^  of  peace,  and 
returned  to  Montreal.  His  successor,  De  Nonviue,  led  a  larger 
army  against  the  confederates;  but  fell  into  an  amboseade  ahd 
was  donated.  These  wars  within  the  limits  of  the  colony,  kept 
colonel  JDongan  actively  employed,  nnd  served  to  perpetuate  the 
enmity  of  the  Indians  agabist  ^e  French,  and  theh*  attachment 
to  the  English.  , 

22.  In  the  mean  time,  the  d\ikc  of  York  ascended  the  throne 
of  England.  Clidmhig  unliniited  authority  as  kinff,  and  pro- 
fessing the  Catholic  rel^on,  he  was  hated  and  feared  by  a  great 
ll^ortion  of  the  inhabitants,  who  were  devoted  to  the  cause  of 
ireedom,  and  to  the  prineiplCNi  of  the  nrotestants.  The  governor 
was  also  an  object  of  th'ehr  dislike  and  distrust.  Catholics,  coun- 
tenanced by  him,  repaired  in  great  numbers  to  the  colony,  and 
pious  protestants  trembled  for  their  religion. 

23.  In  the  beffinniaff  of  the  year  1689,  information  was  re- 
ceived from  England  that  the  people  had  resolved  to  dethrone 
their  sovereign,  and  oflbr  the  crown  to  William,  prince  of 
Orange  {  andfrom  Massachusetts,  that  the  citizens  had  deposed 
and  hnprisoned  sk  Edmund  Andross,  their  governor.  Thi^ 
encouraged  the  disaffected,  and  presented  an  example  for  their 
imitation. 

24.  Several  militia  captains  assembled  to  determine  on  the 
measures  expedient  to  be  adopted.  Of  these,  Jacob  Lelsler  was 
the  most  acuve.  He  was  d^titute  of  every  qualification  neccs- 
Sarv  to  conduct  a  dlffloult  enterprise,  but  possessed  the  esteem 
and  confidence  of  the  other  officers,  and  of  the  people.  Mllburne, 
his  son-hi-law,  concerted  all  his  measures,  and  controlled  hts 
conduct. 

25.  They  determhied  to  o  btain  possession  of  tlie  fort.  Leislc^' 
entered  it  witiii  filly  men,  and  published  a  declaration  in  favor  ol 
the  prince  of  Orange.  The  magistrates  and  most  reipectabh; 
citlisens  discountenanced  the  proceeding,  and,  at  first,  out  few 
had  tlie  courage  to  declare  themselves  nls  friends.  To  induce 
them  to  act,  a  report  was  circulated  that  three  ships,  with  orders 
from  the  prince,  were  sailing  im  the  harbor.  His  party  was  in- 
stancy aujvmentedby  six  obtains,  and  nearly  five  hundred  mei\, 
a  force  sumolent  to  overpower  all  opposition. 

^,  Before  these  disturbances,  colonel  Dongan  had  resigned 


N£ir-TOBK. 


69 


try  and  ours 
abaU  dan^e 
cut  it  duwo, 
the  couQti7 

bold  rq;>Iy ; 
f  peace,  and 
led  a  larger 
buseade  ahd 
:olonyy  kept 
rpetuate  the 
■  attachment 

1  the  throne 

J,  and  pro- 
by  a  great 
he  cause  q1' 
he  governor 
lolics,  coun- 
colony,  and 

ion  was  re- 
to  dethrone 
y  prince  of 
lad  deposed 
or.  Thl« 
lie  fbr  their 

line  on  the 
jeisler  was 

ktion  neces- 
\e  esteem 
Milborne, 

^trolled  hlK 

Leisle^' 
In  favor  ot 
ipectabh; 
\f  out  fen 
?o  induce 
fiih  orders 
^y  wn  in- 
ured mei^ 


his  office,  and  embarked  for  EofUad.  Lieutenant«govemor 
Nieholflofi,  unable  to  oontttid  with  Leislsr,  abaeonded  in  the 
night.  The  province  being  tfans  teit  withool  a  chief  ntagistrate, 
Leisler  was  promoted,  by  huadktrents,  to  tluititaticni.  He  seat 
an  address  to  Icing  'Vmun  and  queen  Mary,  whose  authority  he 
aelcnowledged,  and,  soon  after,  a  private  letter  to  the  Idng,  ex- 
pressing, in  low  and  incorreet  language,  the  wannest  protesta^ 
tions  ofleyal^  and  seal. 

27.  Hto  sudden  elevation  excited  the  envy  of  those  magistrates 
and  citiKens  who  l^  declined  to  join  him  In  proclaimhig  icing 
William.  Bayard  and  Courtlandt,  unable  to  raise  a  party  agahist 
him  in  the  elhr,  retired  to  Albanv,  where  their  exertipns  were 
successAil.  To  diminirii  theur  hmuence,  and  to  allay  the  jealousy 
of  others,  he  invited  several  worthy  citiaens  to  unite  wlm  hfan  in 
adndnistering  the  government,  a  trust  which  had  been  confided 
to  him  alone,  by  the  ndlltia. 

28.  In  a  few  months,  however,  a  letter  arrived  firom  the 
miidstry  hi  Encland,  direoted  **  tc  such  as,  for  the  time  being, 
take  care  for  admiidstering  the  laws  of  the  province,"  and  con- 
ferring authority  to  perfcHrm  all  the  duties  of  lieutenant-governor. 
Leisler  considered  mis  letter  addressed  to  hhnself,  assumed  the 
authority  cenibrred,  appointed  his  eouneil,aiMllsfued  commissions 
in  his  own  name. 

29.  The  people  of  Albany,  led  by  Bavard,  Courtlandt,  and 
Livingston,  acknowledged  king  WilUam,  but  reAised  to  submit 
to  Leisler.  Mttbome  was  sent  with  a  body  of  troops  to  enforce 
ubedienbe,  but,  findingthem  united,  he  returned  withoutattempthig 
it.  The  next  spring,  going  with  a  stronger  forco,  he  succeeded. 
The  leaders  of  the  pariy  6ed,  and  tbefar  property  was  confiscated. 
This  arbitrary  and  uigust  measure  so  exasperated  the  suflerers, 
that  they  and  their  posterity  long  retained  the  most  violent  animo* 
sity  against  Lebler  and  his  adherents. 

80.  During  these  troubles  in  the  colony,  war  was  declared 
between  France  and  England.  De  Nonville  being  recalled, 
Count  Frontenao  was  appointed  governor  of  Canada.  In 
January,  1690,  he  despatcned  several  parties  agahist  the  English 
settlements.  One  of  these,  consteting  of  Frenehmen  and  Cagh- 
nuaga  Indians,  was  sent  against  Albuiv,  but  rerolved  to  attack 
Schenectady.  To  the  inhabitants  of  this  village,  information  wait 
given  of  their  danger ;  but  they,  judging  it  Impossible  for  the 
enemy  to  march  several  hundred  miles  m  Uie  depth  of  winter, 
disregarded  the  Uitelligence.  No  regular  watch  was  kept,  nor 
military  order  observed. 

81.  The  French  and  Indians  arrived  near  the  town  on  the 
ri^th  of  February.    They  dhrided  their  number  into  small 


70 


NBW-YORK. 


partieS)  that  every  house  might  be  faivested  at  the  sftme  time. 
On  Statttfdaj  nighty  at  eleven  o'clock,  they  entered  at  the  gates 
whidblhey  found  unshut.  The  iahahitants  having  retired  to  rest, 
universal  sUUnees  reimed.  Suddenly,  in  every  quarter,  the  hor- 
rid yell  was  heard.  They  sprang  from  their  beds,  conscious  of 
the  danger  which  survouzulaa  then.  Openhig  their  doors,  they 
met  the  savages,  with  uplifted  ..umahawks,  on  the  threshold. 
Each,  at  the  bame  instant,  hearr  t^t  cnr  of  his  affirighted  neLrh- 
bor.  Soon  succeeded  the  f  r.-w  of  the  dying.  In  a  few 
minutes,  the  buildings  were  on  fire.  Women  were  ^tchered, 
and  children  thrown  alive  into  the  flames.  The  Indians,  frantic 
from  slaughter,  ran,  with  fatal  haste,  through  the  village, 
massacreing  many,  who,  in  their  attempts  to  escape,  were  be> 
trayed  by  the  Ught  of  their  own  houses. 
.  82.  Some  eluded  their  pursuers ;  but  a  fate  almost  as  dreadful 
awaited  them.  They  were  naked  ;  a  furious  storm  came  on  i 
Albany,  their  only  refuge,  was  at  a  distance ;  and  often  their 
terror  converted  into  savases  the  trees  and  wild  beasts  which 
they  saw  in  their  flight.  Fart  arrived  in  safety ;  twenty-five  lost 
their  Ibnbs  by  the  severity  of  the  cold.  At  Schenectady,  sixty 
were  killed,  and  twenty-five  made  prisoners. 

88.  To  avenge  these  barbarities,  and  others  perpetrated  b 
New-England,  a  combined  expedition  against  Canada  was  pro- 
jected. An  armv,  raised  in  New- York  and  Conaecticut,  pro- 
ceeded as  far  as  the  head  of  lake  Ghamplidn,  whence^  finding  no 
boats  prepared,  they  were  obliged  to  return.  Sir  WilUam 
Phlpps,  WitJb  a  fleet  of  more  than  thirty  vessels,  sailed  from 
Boston  into  the  St.  Lawrence,  and,  landing  a  body  of  troops, 
made  an  attack  by  land  and  water  upon  Quebec ;  but  the  return 
of  the  army  to  New- York,  allowing  the  whole  force  of  the  enemy 
to  repair  to  the  assistance  of  the  garrison,  he  was  obliged  to 
iibandon  the  enterprise.  To  the  misconduct  or  incapacity  of 
Leider  and  Milborne,  the  failure  of  this  expedition  was  attri- 
buted. 

84.  As  soon  as  king  William  could  find  leisure  to  attend  to 
hb  colonies,  he  appointed  colonel  Henry  Sloughter  governor  oi 
New- York.  Never  was  a  governor  more  necessary  to  the 
province,  and  never,  perhaps,  lias  it  been  ruled  by  one  less 
qualified  for  the  station.  He  was  destitute  of  talents,  Ucentlous, 
avaricious,  and  a  bankrupt. 

86.  Leisler,  when  informed  of  tliis  appointment,  ought  to 
have  relinquished  the  auUiority  lie  liad  exercised  {  but  he  wai> 
weak,  Intoxicated  with  power,  and  determined  to  retain  It. 
Although  twice  required,  no  relused  to  surrender  Uie  fort ;  but 
ff;nt  two  persons  to  confer  with  the  governor,  who,  decliurin^i 


^l^^.BiiMf 


NEW^TORK. 


71 


Aem  rebels,  arrested  and  confined  them.  Alanned  by  ttusmea- 
sui«»  I4ei8ler  attempted  to  escape,  but  was  apprehended,  wkh 
manj  of  his  adherents,  and  bro^igfat  to  trial 

86.  In  vam  did  they  plead  their  zeal  for  king  WOUam.  In  vain 
did  Leisler  msist  that  the  letter  finom  England  anthorized  him  to 
administer  the  government.  They  had  lately  resisted  »  governor 
wkh  a  regular  commission,  and  this  governor,  and  a  subservient 
court,  were  resolved  4ipon  their  conviction.  Leisler  and  Mil- 
boriie  were  condemned  to  death  for  high  treason. 

87.  Soon   after  their   trial,  the  affairs  of  the  province  re- 

auired  Sloug^ter's  presence  at  Albany.  The  faction  opposed  to 
If  m,  entreated  him,  before  his  departure,  to  sign  the  warrant 
for  their  execution;  but  he,  unwilling  to  sacrifice  two  men,  who, 
though  they  bad  sometimes  erred,  had  served  his  master  with 
zeal,  refused.  Unable  to  effect  their  purpose  by  persuasion,  they 
resorted  to  a  detestable  expedient.  A  sumptuous  feast  was  pre- 
pared, to  which  the  governor  was  invited.  When  he  had  drunk 
to  intoxication,  they  presented  him  the  warrant,  which  he  sign- 
ed, and  when  he  had  recovered  his  senses,  the  prisoners  were  no 
more. 

88.  #i  apfli«atlcn  H  the  kh^,  their  estates,  which  had  been 
confiscated,  were  restored  to  their  heirs.  Their  bodies  were  af- 
terwards taken  up  and  interred,  with  great  pomp,  in  the  old  Dutch 
church ;  and  their  descendants  are  considered  honored,  rather 
than  disgraced,  by  the  conduct  and  fall  of  their  ancestors. 

89.  In  July,  1691,  Sloughter,  havhig  returned  ifrom  Albany, 
ended,  by  a  sudden  death,  a  short,  weak,  and  turbulent  adminb- 
tration.  About  the  same  tfane,  mn^jor  Peter  Schuyler,  at  the  head 
of  three  hundred  Mohawks,  made  a  sudden  and  bold  attack  upon 
the  French  settlements,  at  the  north  end  of  Lake  Ohamplain. 
An  army  of  eight  hundred  men  was  despatched  firom  Montreal 
to  oppuse  him.  With  these  he  had  several  irregular,  but  suc- 
cessful conflicts;  in  which  ha  killed  a  number  of  the  envmy, 
greater  than  that  of  Ms  whole  party. 

40.  In  1699,  colonel  Fletcher  arrived  as  successor  to  Slough- 
ter. He  was  a  good  soldier,  was  active,  avaricious,  and  passtonate. 
From  the  talents  and  informatbn  of  miyor  Schuyler,  ne  derived 
great  assistance,  and  was  governed  by  his  advice,  paiticulariy  in 
transactions  relative  to  the  Indians. 

41.  As  a  great  portion  of  the  inhabitauw  vrsre  Tlutch,  all  the 
governors,  to  produce  uniformity  in  reliffion  ana  language,  bad 
encouraged  English  preachers  and  schoolmasters  toMtUe  in  the 
colony.  riTo  one  pursued  this  object  with  more  leal  than  Fletdier, 
who  was  devob.'d  to  the  church  of  England.  At  two  sujocessive 
(wssionS)  he  rooommended  th^  subject  to  the  attention  of  the  ai« 


V2 


mW'Ym^ 


he  g%ve  tht^m  a  sevtnfe  re^frbntiid.  ;'         : 

42.  The  Mrbj^  ht^  laid  before  item,  tl  m  subsequent  ses- 
sion/ they  paatiA  «  bfl^  ^ro^ridittg  for  the  set^emeiit,  hi  eemin 
parishes,  of  nfhlSsteirrof  the  gos{K>ii,  to  be  chesea  by  the  people. 
The  coimcll  added  tEH  tboien^eBt,  {{hrlitg  to  the  governor  the 
power  of  flpprovtol  or  r^ectioa.  The  house  w6x?^  U»  toncw  la. 
the  amendment^  af  iidilqli  Fletcher  ntsw)  mu^^  enrsge^f,  tillat  he 
commanded  th«tn  instttkitijr  to  attend  hbki,  aed,  addressing  ^tiu 
in  an  nn/gry  i^pJBeeh,  prorogned  dtem  ti>  the  next  j^nw. 

43.  )!>.  1697)  t  peace,  which  gavi^  s^^curi^  and  repose  to  the 
colonies,  was  couelttded  between  Oreat  Britcdn  and  Fmi.)  je. 
The  n'ex!:  yt^ar,  the  earl  of  B<?naxiiont  wx^  appointed  governor. 
He  vaf*  purlieiufiriy  irtstracted  to  clear  the  American  eiM  of  the 
pirates  who  iiilcster^  ihem,  vad  who,  it  was  Biifip)Bcted,  had  even 
received  encOuMigemrnt  fiv'in  I'letcher. 

44.  The  government  tiechTiinK  tu  turnish  the  necessafy  naval 
force,  the  earl  en^^aged,  Uh  oUicrs,  in  a  private  undertaking 
'againtit  them.  I'h  ;>  aBiii«  ciate;^,  procuring  a  vessel  of  war,  gave 
the  conn  (land  of  it  to  a  captain  Kid,  and  sent  Idmto  cruise  against 
the  pirates.  He  had  been  but  a  short  time  at  sea,  when,  iliire- 
garcl!ng  his  iustruotlons,  he  made  a  new  contraet  witib  his  crew, 
and,  on  the  Atlantic  and  Indian  Oceans,  became  himself  a  daring, 
c\:t- ocious,  and  successAil  pirate. 

■15.  Three  years  afterwards,  he  returned,  burned  his  ship,  and, 
with  a  strange  InflaituatioB,  appearrjd  publicly  at  Boston.  He  Wb3 
appreh  riei  and  lent  to  EnglaDd,  where  he  was  tried  and  exe- 
cuted, rhe  eari  and  his  partners,  some  of  whom  resided  in 
England,  were  accused  of  sharing  in  his  plunder,  but  hiidl  his 
cxaminaUons  he  declared  them  hmocent. 

40.  Notwithstahdlng the  deat**  of  Leisler,  thepeople  wore  still 
divided  bto  Leisterians  and  anti-Leislerians.  Fletcner  had  been 
the  instrument  of  the  latter ;  Lord  Bellamont  espoused  the  cause 
of  the  former.  He,  however,  persecuted  no  one ;  but  exercised 
authority  with  justice  and  moderation.    He  died  In  1701. 

47.  The  next  year.  Lord  Combury  was  appointed  governor. 
He  presented  a  striking  proof  of  the  folly  of  neredltary  distinc* 
tions.  He  was  the  son  of  the  celebrated  earl  of  Clarendon ;  but 
possessed  not  one  of  the  virtues  of  his  ancestor.  Mean,  profli* 
gate,  and  unprincipled,  he  was  a  burden  to  his  Mends  at  nome, 
and  was  sent  to  America  to  be  beyond  the  reach  of  his  creditors. 

48.  He  declared  himself  an  antl-Lelslerian,  and  the  first  as- 
sembly that  he  summoned  wm  composed  prbiclpally  of  men  of 
th«t  party.    They  presented  him  two  thousand  pounds  to  defhy 


NSSW-tORlii 


73 


lie  church 

luentaes" 

le  people. 
'emor  the 
concur  hx 
A,  that  be 
mug  theiii 

ose  to  the 

governor. 

B-.'SU!  of  the 

,  had  even 

isary  naval 
ndeHaking 
war,  gave 
lise  against 
h^n,iVi!3re- 
k  hiB  er«w, 
|Lf  a  daring, 

ship,  and, 
,  Hewtt3 
d  and  exe- 
resided  in 
t  in  all  his 

I  wore  still 
» had  been 
the  cause 
exercised 

roi. 

governor, 
distinc* 
Indon ;  but 
|an,  profli- 
at  home, 
I  creditors. 
it  first  M- 
>f  men  of 
I  to  deftty 


ilie  eatej^es  of  lus  voyage.  They  raised  several  sums  of  money 
for  public  purposes,  but  the  expenditure  beh^.  intrusted  to  him 
as  governor,  he  appropriated  most  of  it  to  his  own  use. 

49.  His  acts  of  injustice  and  oppression;  his  prodigality ;  his 
iv^fiec*  ;.t  and  vulgar  manners*  rendered  him  uidversuly  odious. 
In  1708;  the  assemblies  of  New-Tork  and  of  New-Jersey,  of 
ivhicb  i  vtony  he  was  also  governor,  complahied  to  the  queen  of 
1  I  ml; conduct  She  removed  him  from  office;  he  was  soon 
after  ant^sted  by  his  creditors,  and  remained  in  custody  until  the 
death  of  his  illustrious  father,  when  he  returned  to  England  and 
todk  his  seat  in  the  ho^^se  of  lords. 

60.  A  proceeding  of  the  house  of  representatives,  near  the 
<'lc:^€  of  itus  adndnistration,  ought  not  to  he  passed  over  without 
nolica.  Wearied  by  thefar  sufferings,  they  appointed  a  committee 
^  ^  grievances,  who  reported  a  series  of  resolutions  having  refer- 
ence to  recent  transacUons,  which  resolutions  were  adopted  by 
the  house.  One  of  them,  in  e]q[>licit  language,  asserted  the  prin» 
ciple,  <*  that  the  imposing  and  levying  of  any  moneys  upon  her 
majesty's  subjects  of  tUs  colony,  under  any  pretence  or  color 
whatsoever,  without  consent  in  general  assemoly,  is  a  grievance 
and  a  violation  of  the  people's  property*'^  It  is  not  uninstructive 
to  observe  how  eariy,  in  some  or^  the  colonies,  were  aovrh  the 
seeds  of  the  American  revolution. 

51.  In  1710,  fleneral  Hunter,  who  had  been  appointed  gover- 
nor, arrived  in  ue  province.  He  brought  with  him  near  three 
thousand  Germans,  some  of  whom  setUed  hi  New- York,  and 
some  in  Pennsylvania.  The  latter  transmitted  to  their  native 
land  such  favorable  accounts  of  the  country  which  they  had  chosen 
for  their  residence,  that  many  others  followed  and  settled  hi  that 
colony.  The  numerous  descendants  of  diese  Germans  are  hou 
nest,  industrious,  and  useful  ciUzens. 

V  62.  The  prodigality  of  Lord  Combury,  had  taught  the  assem- 
bly an  important  lesson.  Before  his  removal,  they  had  obtahied 
from  the  queen  permission,  in  oases  of  special  appronrlations  to 
appoint  their  own  treasurer.  They  now  passed  a  biH  confiding 
to  this  officer  the  disbursement  of  certain  sums  appropriated  for 
ordhiaiy  purposes.  The  council  proposed  an  amendment.  The 
house  denied  the  right  of  that  body  to  amend  a  money  bill.  BoUi 
continufaig  obstinate,  the  governor  prorogued  them,  and  at  thah* 
next  session  dissolved  them. 

58.  At  this  time,  war  existed  between  Ensland  and  IlSrance. 
In  1709,  expensivtf  preparations  were  made  for  an  attack  upon 
Canada,  but  the  promised  assistance  not  arriving  fVom  England, 
the  enterprise  was  abandoned.  In  1711,  the  project  was  re- 
flumtd.    A  fleet  sailed  up  the  St.  Lawrence,  to  attack  Quebot^ 

G 


74 


NEW-YORK. 


and  an  army  of  four  diousand  meui  raised  by  New-York,  N^w- 
Jersey,  and  Connecticut,  marched  to  invade  Canada,  by  the  routd 
of  LaJce  Champldn.  The  fleet,  shattered  by  a  storm,  was  com- 
pelled to  return.  The  army,  informed  of  the  disasters  of  tiie 
fleet,  returned  also,  ha^inff  accomplished  nothing. 

54.  The  people,  i^promgtfie  conduct  of  their  representatives 
In  relation  to  the  revenue,  had  re-elected  nearly  all  of  them,  and 
they  were  now  in  session.  To  defray  the  expenses  of  the  late 
eiqpedition,  they  passed  several  bills  which  were  amended  in  the 
council.  Between  these  two  bodies,  an  other  contest  ensued. 
The  representatives,  derinng  their  authority  from  the  people, 
considered  themselves  bound  to  watch  over  the  expenditure  of 
their  money.  The  council,  deriving  their  authority  from  the 
same  source  as  ^e  governor,  were  desirous  of  increasing  his  in- 
fluence by  ^ving  him  the  management  of  the  revenue.  During 
this,  and  a  subsequent  session,  both  continued  inflexible.  The 
governor,  provoked  at  the  obsthiacy  of  the  representatives,  dis- 
solved the  assembly. 

56.  At  the  ensuing  election,  which  was  warmly  contested,  most 
of  the  members  chosen,  were  opposed  'to  the  governor.  This 
assembly  was  dissolved  by  the  death  of  the  queen.  The  next 
was  dissolved  by  the  governor,  soon  after  it  first  met,  a  majority 
of  the  representatives  being  known  to  be  unfriendly  to  his  dews. 
The  people  became  weary  of  contending.  Most  of  the  mem 
bers  chosen  at  the  succeeding  election,  were  his  friends  and  par- 
tisans, and,  for  several  years,  the  utmost  harmony  existed  be- 
tween the  different  branches  of  the  government. 

56.  Governor  Hunter  quitted  the  province  in  1719,  and  his 
authority  devolved  on  Peter  Schuyler,  the  oldest  member  of  the 
council.  The  next  year,  William  Burnet,  son  of  the  celebrated 
bishop  of  that  name,  was  appointed  governor.  Turning  his  at- 
tenUon  towu^s  the  wilderness,  he  perceived  that  the  French,  in 
order  to  connect  their  settlements  in  Canada  and  Louisiana,  to 
seeure  to  themselves  ^e  Indian  trade,  and  to  confine  the  English 
to  the  sea  coast,  were  busily  emploved  hi  erecting  a  chain  of 
forts  from  the  St.  Lawrence  to  the  Mississippi. 

67.  He  endeavored  to  defeat  their  design,^  building  a  trading 
house,  and  afterwards  a  fort,  at  Oswego,  on  Lake  Ontario.  But 
the  French  had  the  command  of  more  abundant  resources,  and 
applied  them  to  tibe  aecomplishment  of  their  object,  with  great 
activity  and  zeal.  They  launched  two  vessels  upon  that  lake ; 
and,  going  farther  hito  the  wilderness,  erected  a  fort  at  Niagara, 
commanding  the  entrance  hito  it ;  they  had  previously  erected 
fort  Frontenac,  commanding  the  outlet. 

.A8.  The  assembly,  elected  in  1716,  had  beea  lo  obBequlous 


NEW-YD?IK. 


75 


to  the  governor,  that  he  continued  it  in  existence  until  the  clamors 
of  the  people  induced  him,  m  1727,  to  dissolve  it.  That  which 
next  met,  was  composed  entirely  of  his  opponents.  The  court 
of  chancery,  in  which  he  presided,  had  become  exceedingly  un- 
popular. It  had  been  instituted  by  an  ordinance  of  the  governor 
and  council,  without  the  concurrence  of  the  assembly ;  the  mode 
of  proceeding  was  novel ;  and  some  of  the  decisions  had  given 
great  offence  to  powerful  individuals.  The  house  passed  resolu- 
tions declaring  it  "a manifest  oppression  and  grievance,"  and 
intimating  that  its  decrees  were  void.  The  governor  mstantly 
called  the  assembly  before  him,  and  dissolved  it. 

59.  Being  soon  after  appointed  governor  of  Massachusetts,  he 
was  succeeded  by  colonel  Montgomery,  upon  whose  death,  in 
1731,  Ae  supreme  authority  devolved  upon  Rip  Van  Dam,  the 
senior  member  of  the  council.  Under  his  short  and  inefficient 
administration,  the  French  were  permitted  to  erect  a  fort  at 
Crown  Point,  within  the  acknowledged  boundaries  of  New- 
York,  from  >i  hich  parties  of  savages  were  often  secretly  des- 
patched to  destroy  the  English  setdements. 

60.  Van  Dam  was  superseded  by  William  Cosby,  who  ar- 
rived in  August,  1732.  Having  been  the  advocate,  in  parliament, 
of  the  American  colonies,  he  was  at  first  popular,  but  soon  lost 
the  affection  and  confidence  of  the  people.  By  his  instigation, 
one  Zeiiger,  the  printer  of  a  newspaper,  was  prosecuted  for 

gublishing  an  article  declared  to  be  derogatory  to  the  dignity  of 
is  majesty's  government.  He  was  zealously  defended  by  able 
counsel,  and  an  independent  jury  gave  a  verdict  of  acquittal. 
The  people  applauded  their  conduct,  and  the  magistrates  of  the 
city  of  New- York  presented  to  Andrew  Hamilton,  one  of  his 
defenders,  the  freedom  of  the  city,  in  a  gold  box,  and  their 
thanks  for  '<  his  learned  and  generous  defence  of  the  rights  of 
mankind,  and  the  liberty  of  Uie  press." 

61.  Governor  Cosby  died  in  1736,  and  was  succeeded  by 
George  Clark,  at  that  thne  senior  counsellor,  but  soon  after  ap- 
pointed lieutenant-governor.  Again  was  revived  the  contest 
which  had  ended,  twenty  years  before,  in  the  victory  gained  by 
governor  Hunter,  over  the  house  of  representatives.  Tne  colony 
being  iii  debt,  the  house  voted  to  raise  the  sum  of  six  thousand 
pounds ;  but,  in  order  to  prevent  its  misapplication,  declared, 
that  it  should  be  supplied  to  the  payment  of  certahi  specified 
debts.  Offended  by  this  vote,  Clark  resorted  to  the  expedient 
which  had  usually  been  adopted  to  punish  or  intimiaate ;  he  im- 
mediately dissolved  the  assembly. 

62.  At  the  next  election,  great  exertions  were  made  by  the 
opposUig  parties.    The  popmar  party  was  triumphant.    At  their 


7a 


NEW-YORK. 


Hecond  session,  the  house  voted  an  address  to  the  fieatenant- 
govemor,  which  is  worthy  of  particular  notice.  In  bold  and 
explicit  language,  they  state  some  of  the  vital  principles  of  free 
govemmeirt,  Mferto  recent  misaf^lications  of  money,  and  pro- 
ceed: 

63.  "We  therefore  beg  leave  to  be  plain  with  yoar  honor, 
and  hope  you  will  not  take  it  amiss  when  we  tell  you,  Uiat  you 
are  not  to  expect  that  we  will  either  raise  sums  unfit  to  be  raised, 
or  put  what  we  shall  raise,  into  ^e  power  of  a  governor  to  mis- 
apply, if  we  can  prevent  it ;  nor  shsdl  we  midce  up  any  other  de- 
ficiencies  than  what  we  conceive  are  fit  and  just  to  be  paid ;  nor 
continue  what  support  or  revenue  we  shall  raise,  for  any  longer 
time  than  one  yeai* ;  nor  do  we  think  it  convenient  to  do  even 
that,  until  sucb  lawb  are  passed  as  we  conceive  necessary  for  the 
safety  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  colony,  who  have  reposed  a  trust 
in  us  for  that  only  purpose,  and  which  we  are  sure  you  will  think 
it  reasonable  we  should  act  agreeably  to  ;  and  by  the  grace  of 
God  we  shall  endeavor  not  to  deceive  them.'^ 

64.  With  a  body  of  men,  so  resolute  in  asserting  their  rights, 
the.  lieutenant-governor  wisely  forebore  to  contend.  He  thanked 
them  for  their  address,  and  promised  his  cordial  co-operation  in 
all  measures  calculated  to  promote  the  prosperity  of  ue  colony. 
He  gave  his  assent  to  a  law  providing  for  the  more  frequent; 
elecnon  of  representatives;  which  law,  however,  two  years  after- 
wards, was  abrogated  by  the  king. 

66.  But  between  a  house  of  representatives  and  a  chief  ma- 
gistrate, deriving  their  authority  from  different  sources,  harmony 
could  not  longsubsist*  Mr.  Clark,  in  his  speech  at  the  opening 
of  the  next  session,  declared  that  unleiss  the  revenue  was  granted 
for  as  long  a  time  as  it  had  been  granted  by  former  assemblies, 
his  duty  to  his  majesty  forbade  him  from  assenting  to  any  act 
for  continuhig  the  excise,  or  for  paying  the  coh  nal  buls  of  credit. 
The  house  unanimously  resolved,  that  it  would  not  pass  any  bill 
for  the  grant  of  money,  unless  assurance  should  be  f^ven  that  the 
excise  should  be  continued  and  the  bills  of  credit  redeemed. 

66.  The  lieutenant-governor  immediately  ordered  the  mem* 
bers  to  attend  him.  He  told  them  that  *^  their  proceedings  were 
presumptuous,  daring,  and  unprecedented ;  that  he*could*not  look 
upon  them  without  astonishment,  nor  with  honor  sufier  the  house 
to  sit  any  longer ;"  and  he  accordingly  dissolved  it.  Little  more 
than  a  year  had  elapsed,  since  the  members  were  chosen;  but 
in  that  Ume  they  had,  by  their  firm  and  spirited  conduct,  in  sup- 
port of  the  rights  of  the  people,  merited  the  gratitude  of  their 
consUtitonts. 

67*  About  this  time,  a  supposed  <<  negro  plot''  occasioned 


JSrjBW-ITORK. 


rr 


great  commotion  and  alarm  in  the  citj  of  New-York.  The 
frequent  occurrence  of  fires,  most  of  which  were  eyidentljr 
caused  by  design,  first  excited  the  jealousy  and  suspicion  of  the 
citizens.  Terrified  by  danger  which  luriced  unseen  in  the 
midst  of  them,  they  listened  with  eager  credulity  to  the  declarar 
tion  of  some  siiandoned  females,  that  the  negroes  had  combined 
to  burn  the  city  and  make  one  of  their  number  governor.  Many 
were  arrested  and  committed  to  prison.  Other  witnesses,  not 
more  respectable  than  the  first,  came  forward ;  other  negroes 
were  accused,  and  even  several  white  men  were  designated  as 
concerned  in  the  plot. 

68.  When  the  time  of  trial  arrived,  so  strong  was  the  preju- 
dice against  the  miserable  negroes,  that  every  Uwyer  in  the  city 
volunteered  against  them.  Ignorant  and  unassisted,  nearly  aU 
who  were  tried  were  condemned.  Fourteen  were  sentenced  to 
be  burned,  eighteen  to  be  hung,  seventy-one  to  be  transported, 
and  all  these  sentences  were  executed.  Of  the  whites  two  were 
convicted  and  suffered  death.  ,  ^^  ; 

69.  All  apprehension  of  danger  having  subsided,  many  began 
to  doubt  whether  any  plot  had  in  fact  been  concerted.  None  of 
the  witnesses  were  persons  of  credit,  their  stories  were  extrava^ 
gant  and  often  contradictory  ;  and  the  projecl  was  such  as  none 
but  fools  or  madmen  would  form.  Tiie  two  white  men  were 
respectable  ;  one  had  received  a  liberal  education,  but  he  was  a 
catholic,  and  the  prejudice  agednst  catholics  was  too  violent  to 
permit  the  free  exercise  of  reason.  Some  of  the  accused  were 
doubtless  guilty  of  setting  fire  to  the  city ;-  but  the  proof  of  the 
alleged  plot  was  not  sufficiently  clear  to  justify  the  numerous 
and  cruel  punishments  that  were  inflicted. 

70.  In  April,  1740,  the  assembly  again  met.  It  had  now 
risen  to  importance  in  the  colony.  The  adherence  of  the  i«- 
presentatives  to  their  determination,  not  to  grant  the  revenue  for 
more  than  one  year,  made  annual  meetings  of  the  assembly  ne- 
cessary. This  attachment  to  liberty  was  mistaken  for  the  desire 
of  independence.  Lieutenant-governor  Clark,  in  a  speech  de- 
livered  in  1741,  alludes  to  <'a  jealousy  which  for  some  years 
had  obtained  in  England,  that  the  plantations  were  not  without 
thoughts  of  throwing  off  their  dependence  on  the  crown." 

71.  In  1743,  George  Clinton  was  sent  over  as  governor  of 
the  colony.  Like  most  of  his  predecessors  he  was  welcome4 
with  joy ;  and  one  of  his  earliest  measures  confirmed  the  favorable 
accounts,  #hich  had  preceded  him,  of  his  talents  and  liberality. 
To  show  his  willingness  to  repose  confidence  in  the  people,  he 
assented  to  a  bill  limiting  the  duration  of  the  present  and  allsuc- 
coeding  assemblies.    The  house  manlfeated  its  graUtade  by 

02 


«»i-'«i 


78 


NEW^ERSEY. 


adq>Ui9  the  measures  he  recommended  for  the  defence  of  die 
profince  against  the  French,  who  were  then  at  war  with  Eng- 
land. 

72»  Li  1745,  the  savages  fai  alliance  with  France  made  fre- 
quent invaSMM  of  the  En^^  territories.  •  The  failudiitants  were 
compeUed  to  demt  Hosick  ;  Saratoga  was  destroyed ;  the 
western  setttemenls  fai  New-England  were  often  attacked  and 
plundered.  Encouraged  by  success,  the  enemy  berame  more 
daring,  and  small  partks  ventured  within  the  suburbs  of  Albany, 
and  mere  lay  in  wait  for  prisoners.  It  is  even  said  that  one 
Indian,  called  Tomonwilemon,  often  entered  the  city  and  suc- 
ceeded in  taking  aqptives. 

73.  Distressed  by  these  incursions,  the  iussembly,  in  1746, 
determined  to  unite  with  the  other  coloni<eB  and  the  mother 
country  in  an  eiqpedition  against  Canada.  They  appropriated 
money  4o  purchase  provisions  for  the  anm^,  and  ofTered  liberal 
bounties  to  recruits.  But  Uie  fle^  from  England  did  not  arrive 
at  the  appointed  time :  the  other  colonies  were  dilatory  in  their 
preparations,  and  bekHre  they  were  completed,  the  season  for 
military  operations  had  pjssed  away. 

74.  E^y  in  the  next  v*"  ^r,  a  treaty  was  concluded,  and  the 
inhabitants  were,  for  a  piio  i;  period,  relieved  from  the  burdens 
and  distresses  of  w&r.  During  the  interval  of  peace,  no  event 
of  importance  happened  m  the  colony.  Upon  the  recurrence, 
a  few  years  afterwards,  of  hostilities,  its  territory  was  the  theatre 
of  sanguinary  conflicts.  But  of  that  war,  in  which  all  the  colo- 
nies 9S»d  hi  concert,  a  connected' history  will  be  hereafter  g^ven. 


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■it'    '    •         '  » 


CHAPTER  VII. 

.    ■    ,    .  ,1 

NEW-JfiRSEY. 


,t  >.".. 


THE  first  settlement  within  the  limits  of  New-Jersey  was 
made  by  the  Danes,  about  the  year  1624,  at  a  place  called  Ber- 
gen, from  a  city  of  that  name  in  Norway.  Soon  afterwards, 
several  Dutch  famOiea  seated  themselves  in  the  vicinity  of  New- 
York.  In  1626,  a  company  was  formed  in  Sweden,  under  the 
patronage  of  king  Oustavus  Adolphus,  for  the  nui'pose  of  planting 
a  colony  in  America.    The  next  year,  a  number  of  Swede*  and 


NET9^£ItS£V. 


W 


Finna  came  over,  purchased  of  the  natives  the  land  on  both  sides 
cf  the  river  Delaware,  but  made  their  firtt  settlement  on  its  west- 
em  bank,  near  Christina  creek. 

2.  About  the  year  1640,  Ihe  En|^  began  a  plantation  at 
Elsingburgfa.  on  He  eastern  l^ank.  The  Swedes,  in  concert  with 
the  Imteh  who  then  possessed  New-Yoric,  drove  them  out  of  the 
couirtiy.  Hie  firmer  built  a  fort  on  the  qpot  whence  the  Eng- 
lish bad  been  di^wn ;  and,  gaining  thus  the  command  of  the  river, 
clahned  and  exercised  auuority  over  all  vessels  that  entered  it, 
even  tiioee  bf  the  Dutch,  their  late  associates. 

3.  Th^  continued  in  possesitfon  of  the  eountiy,  on  both  sides 
of  the  Ddaware,  until  1656,  when  Peter  Stuyvesant,  governor 
of  the  New-Netherlands,  having  obtamed  assistance  from  Hoi' 
land,  conquered  all  their  posts  md  transported  most  of  the  Swedes 
to  Europe.  The  Dutch  were  now  hi  possession  of  the  territory 
comprisfaig,  at  this  time,  the  states  of  New-Jersey,  New- York, 
and  Delaware. 

4.  Soon,  however,  this  territory  changed  masters.  King 
Charles  the  second,  having  granted  it  to  the  duke  of  York,  sent 
an  armament,  in  1664,  to  wrest  it  finom  the  Dutch.  After  re- 
ducing New-York,  the  squadron  proceeded  to  the  settlements  on 
the  Delaware,  which  immediately  submitted.  In  the  same  year, 
the  duke  conveyed  that  portion  of  his  grant,  lying  between  Hud- 
son and  Delaware  rivers,  to  lord  Bei^ley  and  sir  Geoi^e  Car- 
tevet  This  tract  was  called  New- Jersey,  in  compliment  to  sir 
George,  who  had  been  governor  of  the  island  of  Jersey,  and  had 
held  it  for  khig  Charles  hi  his  contest  with  the  parliament. 

5.  The  two  proprietors  formed  a  constitution  for  the  colony, 
securing  equal  privileges  and  liberty  of  conscience  to  all,  and  ap- 
pointed PlUlip  Carteret  governor.  He  came  over  in  1665,  fixed 
the  seat  of  government  at  Elisabethtown,  purchased  land  of  the 
Indians,  and  sent  agents  into  New-England  to  invite  settlers  ilrom 
that  quarter.  The  terms  oflTered  were  so  favorable  that  many 
accepted  the  invitation. 

6.  A  few  years  afterwards,  the  repose  of  the  colony  began  to 
be  disturbed  by  domestic  disputes.  Some  of  the  inhabitants, 
having  purchased  their  lands  of  the  Indians  previous  to  the  con* 
veyance  from  tiie  duke,  refused  to  pay  rent  to  the  proprietors. 
Others  were  discontented  fW>m  different  causes.  In  1672,  an 
insurrection  took  place,  the  people  assumed  the  government,  and 
chose  James  Carteret,  the  son  of  Philip,  their  governor.  The 
father  returned  to  Ensland,  and  obtahied  firom  the  proprietors 
such  fkvorable  concessions  and  promises  as  quieted  the  people, 
ud  biduced  them  again  to  submifc  to  his  authority. 

7.  Loid  BoMey  disposed  of  hit  property,  righti»  and  privi^ 


«0 


NEW-JERSEY. 


leg^s  in  the  territory,  to  Edward  Billinge ;  and  he,  being  mvolved 
in  debt,  consented  that  they  should  be  sold  for  the  benefit  of  his 
creditors.  William  Penn,  Gawen  Lowrie,  and  Nicholas  Lu- 
caa,  were  appointed  tn;iitees  for  that  purpose.  In  1676,  the 
trustees  and  sir  Georg )  Carteret  made  partiUon  of  the  territory, 
they  taking  the  western  and  he  the  eastern  portion. 
it  8.  West  Jersey  was  then  divided  hito  one  hundred  shares, 
which  were  separately  sold.  Some  of  the  purchasers  emigrated 
to  the  country,  and  all  made  great  exertions  to  promote  its  popu> 
lation.  Possessing  the  powers  of  government,  as  well  as  the 
right  of  soil,  they  formed  a  constitution,  in  which,  for  the  encou- 
ragement of  emigrants,  they  secured  to  them  ample  privilegest. 

9.  But  previous  to  the  transfer  from  Berkeley  to  Billinge,  the 
Dutch,  being  at  war  with  England,  reconquered  the  country,  and 
retained  it,  until  1674,  when  it  was  restored  by  treaty.  A  new 
patent  was  then  granted  to  the  duke,  hicluding  the  same  territor>' 
as  the  former.  In  1678,  sir  Edmund  Andross,  who  had  been 
appointed  his  sole  governor  hi  America,  claimed  jurisdiction  over 
the  Jerseys,  insisting  that  the  conquest  by  the  Dutch  divested  the 
praprietors  of  all  their  rights. 

10.  He  forcibly  seized,  transported  to  New-York,  and  there 
imprisoned  those  magistrates  wno  refused  to  acknowledge  hit) 
autnority.  He  imposed  a  duty  upon  all  goods  imported,  and 
upon  the  property  of  all  who  came  to  settle  in  the  country.  Of 
this  injustice  the  inhabitants  loudly  complained  to  the  duke ;  and 
at  length  their  repeated  remonstrances  constndned  hhn  to  refer 
the  matter  to  commissioners. 

1 1 .  Before  them  the  proprietors  appeared.  In  strons  language 
they  asserted,  and  by  strong  arguments  supported,  their  cl^m  to 
the  privileges  of  freemen.  They  represented,  that  the  khig  had 
granted  to  tlie  duke  the  right  of  government  as  well  as  the  riffht 
of  soil ;  that  the  duke  had  transferred  the  same  rights  to  Berkeley 
and  Carteret,  and  thev  tc  the  present  proprietors. 

12.  '*  That  only,"  they  added,  *<  could  nave  induced  us  to  pur- 
nhase  lands  and  emigrate.  And  th^  reason  is  plain :  to  ull  pni- 
dent  men,  the  government  of  any  place  is  more  Invitinff  than  tho 
Hoil ;  for  what  te  good  land  without  good  laws  ?  What  but  an  an^ 
surance  that  we  should  ei\joy  eivll  and  religious  privileges,  could 
have  tempted  us  to  leave  a  cultivated  country  and  resort  to  a 
gloomy  wilderness  ?  What  have  we  gained,  if,  after  adventuring 
in  this  wilderness  many  thousands  of  pounds,  we  are  yet  to  be 
taxed  at  the  mere  will  and  pleasure  of  another?  What  is  it  but 
to  say,  that  people,  free  bv  law  under  their  prince  at  home,  are 
at  his  mercy  in  nis  plantations  abroad  ? 

J  9.  "  We  humbly  say,  tbftt  we  have  lost  none  of  oUr  liberty  by 


NEW^ERSET. 


81 


leaving  our  country ;  that  the  duty  imposed  upon  us  is  without 
precedent  or  parallel ;  that,  had  we  foreseen  it,  we  should  have 

{>rererred  any  other  plantation  in  Americt.  Besides,  there  is  no 
imit  to  this  power ;  since  we  are,  by  this  precedent,  taxed  with- 
out any  law,  and  Uiereby  excluded  from  our  Endish  ri^t  of 
assenting  to  taxes.;  what  security  have  we  of  any  udng  we  poo« 
fiesa  ?  We  can  call  nothhig  our  own,  but  are  tenants  at  will,  not 
only  for  the  soil,  but  for  our  personal  estates.  Such  conduct  has 
destroyed  governments,  but  never  raised  one  to  any  tme  great- 
kiess." 

14.  The  commissioners  adjudged  the  dutieo  Illegal  and  oppres- 
sive, and  they  were  not  afterwai^  demanded.  Emigrants  con- 
tinued to  arrive  and  the  country  to  prosper.  In  1681,  the  govern 
nor  of  West  Jersey  summoiwd  a  general  assembly,  by  wliieh 
several  Aindamental  laws  were  enacted,  establishing  Uie  ri^ts  of 
the  people,  and  definhig  the  powers  of  rulers. 

15.  In  1682,  the  terntory  of  East  Jersey  passed  from  Carteret 
to  William  Penn,  and  twenty-three  associates,  mostly  of  the 
uuaker  persuasion.  They  appointed  Robert  Barclay,  author  of 
the  *'  Apoloffy  for  the  Qualcers,"  governor  over  it  for  life.  The 
multitude  of  proprietors,  and  the  fWiauent  transfws  and  subdi- 
vbions  of  shares.  Introduced  such  conAision  in  titles  to  land,  and 
»uch  uncertainty  as  to  the  rights  of  govtroment,  that,  for  twenty 
years  aftsrwards,  both  Jerseys  were  hi  a  state  of  continued  dis- 
turbance and  disorder.  !n  1702,  the  proprietors,  weary  aT 
contending  with  each  other,  and  with  the  people,  surrendevvd 
the  right  of  government  to  the  crown.  Queen  Anne  rsunited 
the  two  divisions,  and  q>pointed  lord  Combury  governor  over 
the  provinces  of  New-Jersey  and  New-Yerli. 

16.  These  provinces  contuiued,  for  several  years,  to  W  ruled 
by  the  same  ffovemor,  but  each  chose  a  SMarate  aasewbly.  In 
1788,  the  inhabitants,  by  petition  to  thr  long,  desired  that  ths|r 
might,  in  ftiture,  have  a  separate  irovemor.  Their  re^piest  was 
granted,  Lewis  Morris  being  the  first  that  was  appointed. 

17.  In  the  same  vear,  a  college  wks  founded  at  Princeton  and 
railed  Nassau  Half.  New-ilersey  then  contained  above  forty 
thousand  inhabitants.  Being  remote  (Irom  Canada,  tiie  source 
of  most  of  tlie  Indian  wars  wl**ch  afflicted  the  northern  colonies, 
it  eigoyed  a  complete  exemption  from  that  terrible  calamity,  and 
until  the  commencement  or  the  revolatioQ|  fUrnished  v)  mutQ> 
t'Ub  for  hlftory. 


M'' 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


DELAWARE, 


THIS  colony  was  first  settled  by  a  company  of  Swedes  aiif). 
Finns,  under  the  patronage  of  king  Gustavus  Adolphus.  They 
came  over  in  1627,  and  landing  at  cape  Henlopen,  were  so 
charmed  with  its  appearance,  that  they  gave  it  the  name  of  Pa- 
I'adise  Point.  The  country  they  called  New  Sweden,  and  the 
river  Delaware,  New  Swedeland  Stream.  They  purchased  of 
the  Indians  the  lands  on  both  sides  of  that  river,  from  the  sea  to 
the  falls,  and  seated  themselves  at  the  mouth  of  Christina  creek, 
near  WUmington. 

2.  Being  frequently  molested  by  the  Dutch,  who  clidmed  a 
right  to  the  country,  they,  for  tlieir  protection,  built  forts  at 
Christina,  Lewistown,  and  Tinicum.  The  last  was  their  seat 
of  government,  and  there  John  Printz,  their  governor,  erected 
an  elegant  niansicm  which  he  named  Prlntz;  HedK 

8.  In  1661,  the  Dutch  built  a  fort  at  New-Castle.  Printe, 
considering  this  place  to  be  within  the  Swedish  territories,  for- 
mally protested  against  the  proceeding.  Risingh,  his  successor, 
made  8  visit,  under  the  guise  of  friendship,  to  the  commander  of 
the  fort,  and,  being  accompanied  by  thirty  men,  treacherously 
took  possession  of  it,  while  enjoying  his  hospitality. 

4.  Peter  Stuyvesant,  the  Dutch  governor  of  New- York,  was 
not  of  a  temper  to  permit  an  injury  thus  committed,  to  pass  un- 
avenged. Accompanied  by  an  armament,  a  part  of  which  was 
furnished  for  the  occasion  by  tlie  city  of  Amsteixlam,  in  Holland, 
he,  in  1655,  returned  the  visit  of  the  Swedes.  He  firrt  re- 
duced the  fort  at  New-Castle ;  then  that  at  Christina  creek, 
where  Risingh  commanded  ;  and  aO  >rwards  the  others.  Some 
uf  the  Swedes,  on  taking  the  oath  of  allegiance  to  Holland,  wcru 
permitted  to  remain  ;  the  rest  were  sent  to  £urope. 

6.  The  settlements  on  the  Delaware  continued  undef  the 
control  of  the  Dutch,  itutil  1664,  when  tlie  New-Netherlands 
were  conquered  bv  the  English,  They  were  then  consklered 
as  a  pnil  of  New- lurk.  In  1682,  William  Penn  purchased  of 
the  duke  uf  York,  the  town  of  Nuw-Ca9tle,  and  the  country 
twelve  miles  around  it ;  and  by  a  subsequent  purchase,  obtained 
the  land  lyhig  upoii  tlie  Delaware,  and  between  New-Castle  and 
cape  lleulopuii.    Thciie  tmcts,  which  coustltutc  the  pr«Mnt 


PENNSYLVANU. 


8a 


idefl  3vA 
They 
were  so 
B  of  Pa- 
and  the 
ihased  ol' 
be  sea  to 
la  creek, 

Ifdmed  « 

forts  at 

heir  seat 

',  erected 

I  Prtntx, 

ries,  for- 
iccessor, 
lander  of 
iherously 

ork,  waa 
^pass  un- 
lich  wan 
!oUand, 
first  re- 
creek, 
Some 
id,  wen) 

ider  the 
lerltnds 
ildered 
i«3ed  of 
I  country 
)btabied 
and 

preeent 


Atate  df  Delaware,  were  called  the  "  Territories,"  and  were,  for 
twenty  years,  governed  as  a  part  of  Pennsylvania. 

6.  They  Were  divided  into  three  counties,  New-Castle,  Kent, 
nnd  Sussex,  each  of  which  sent  six  delegates  to  the  general  as- 
sembly. In  1703,  these  delegates,  diraatisfied  with  the  last 
charter  which  Penn  had  prepared,  and  a  majority  of  the  assem- 
bly had  adopted,  seceded,  and,  liberty  being  given,  formed  a 
separate  and  disthfict  assembly.  The  two  portions  of  the  pro- 
vince were  never  afterwards  united,  but  the  proprietor  continued 
to  possess  the  same  jurisdiction,  and  the  same  person  uniformly 
acted  as  governor  over  both. 

7.  Sheltered  by  the  surrounding  provinces,  Delaware  enjoyed 
nn  entire  exemption  from  wars,  except  those  in  which,  as  a  part 
of  the  British  empire,  she  was  obliged  to  participate.  In  the 
war  ^vith  France,  which  terminated  in  1763,  she  was  second  to 
none  in  active  zeal  to  assist  the  parent  state.  In  the  revolution- 
ary war,  the  Delaware  regiment  was  considered  the  most  cf- 
ftcjent  in  the  continental  army. 


CHAPTER  IX. 


PENNSYLVANIA. 


WILLIAM  PENN,  the  founder  of  Pennsylvania,  was  the 
son  of  Sir  William  Penn,  an  admiral  in  the  Britisli  navy.  In 
ids  youth,  he  joined  the  quakera,  tlien  an  obscure  and  persecii'i.d 
«ect.  While  superintending  the  settlement  of  New-.ier8oy,  he 
Irecamo  acquainted  with  an  extensivi  tract  of  fertile,  unoc- 
cupied lancf  lying  belwoea  the  territorieH  of  the  duke  of  York 
and  lord  Baltimore.  At  his  solicitation,  and  in  recompense 
tor  unrequited  <^i?rvlces  which  his  father  hud  r<Muiered  'he  nation, 
this  tract  was,  in  1681,  granted  to  him  in  full  ^>ruper'.y,  and  by 
the  king  called  Pennsylvania. 

2.  Desirous  cf  selling  his  lands  and  f«>unding  n  colonv,  ho.  In 
a  pubUc  advertisement,  described  the  countir,  and  ^et  forth  the 
tuiVantM^  which  it  offered  to  emlmnts.  Mativ  persons,  cliief- 
ly  quakera,  were  induced  to  purchase.  The  fee  simple  of  the 
soil  was  sold  at  the  rate  of  twenty  pounds  fos  every  thouiend 
acres ;  fnd  they  who  rented  lands,  agreed  to  pay  one  penny 


d4 


:PfiNNStLYANIA. 


dt. 


yearly  per  acre.  Before  the  emigrants  embarked,  eertain  ^ '  coii- 
ditions  and  conceesions"  were  by  them  and  the  proprietor  agreed 
upon  and  subscribed. 

8.  In,  the  foil,  three  shim,  carrying  settlers,  sailed  for  Penn- 
sylvania. The  pious  and  philanthr6pic  proprietor  sent  a  letter 
to  the  Indians,  informing  them  that  "  the  great  God  had  been 
pleased  to  make  him  concerned  in  their  part  of  the  world,  and 
that  the  king  of  the  country  where  he  lived,  had  given  him  a 
great  province  therein ;  but  that  he  did  not  desire  to  enjoy  it 
without  their  consent  {  that  he  was  a  man  of  peace  ;  and  that 
the  peaole  whom  he  sent  were  of  the  same  disposition;  and  ii' 
any  difference  should  happen  between  them,  it  might  be  adjusted 
by  an  equal  numfater  of  men  chosen  on  both  sides."  The  posi- 
tion selected  by  these  emigrants  for  a  settlement  was  above  the 
confluence  of  the  Delaware  and  the  Schuylkill. 

4.  In  April,  1682,  Penn  published  a  Frame  of  Oovemment^ 
the  chief  object  of  which  was  declared  to  be  "  to  support  powci' 
in  reverence  with  the  people,  and  to  secure  the  people  from  the 
abuse  ot  power."  He  published  also  a  Body  of  Laws,  which 
liad  been  examined  and  approved  by  the  emigrants  in  England  ; 
and  which,  says  an  eminent  historian,  "  does  great  honor  to 
their  wisdom  as  statesmen,  to  their  morals  as  men,  and  to  their 
spirit  as  colonists."  From  the  duke  of  York,  he  obtained  thn 
relinquishment  of  a  tract  of  land,  lying  on  the  south  side  of  tiie 
Delaware,  a  part  of  which  was  already  settled,  and  in  Augui^t, 
accompanied  by  about  two  thousand  emigrants,  Set  sail  fo>' 
America. 

6.  He  landed  first  at  New-Castle,  which  was  a  part  ot"  the 
"  Territories,"  as  the  land  conveyed  to  him  by  tlie  duke  wa» 
called.  Upon  this  tract  he  found  about  three  thousand  Dutc)i. 
Swedes,  and  Finns.  He  proceeded  to  Cliester,  where  he  called 
an  assembly  on  the  fourth  of  December.  This  assembly  an- 
nexed the  Territories  to  the  province,  adopted  the  frame  of  Go  ■ 
vernment,  and  enacted  in  tbrm  the  Body  of  Laws.  Penn  also 
made  a  treaty  with  the  Indians,  from  whom  ho  purchased  ns 
much  land  as  the  circumstances  of  the  oolony  re((uired.  He  8C>- 
iected  the  site,  and  marked  out  the  plan,  of  an  extensive  city,  to 
which  he  gave  the  name  of  Philadelphia,  or  the  city  of  lor'c. 
Before  the  end  of  the  year,  it  contained  eighty  liouses  and  cot- 
tages. 

6,  The  settlemrmt  of  none  of  the  colonies  commei.ced  under 
such  favorable  cuspices  as  that  of  Pennsylvania.  The  experi- 
ence of  Iialf  u  century  iiad  disclosed  the  evils  to  be  avjided,  and 
pointed  out  tiie  course  to  be  pursued.  The  Indiana,  having  been 
ahready  tttught  to  fear  the  power  of  Uie  whites,  werv  the  murt 


]fKW»Xhr^mjL 


ad 


tflsfly  cfiooiliated  hf  tb^  IMaess.  The  soiHHeiBig  fertUe,  tbe 
cliiBate  temperate;,  md  tbe«Mne  abuailMit,  the  fint  eoiigrMits 
OBoaped  moit  «f  tbe  calawMiee  wbtchaflOicted  the  more  norChem 
amd  southern  fHrovinoee.  VSie  ^inereeae  of  population  exceeded, 
of  course,  aiU  Ibnoer  ««HsiplR. 

7.  In  the  new«tt7,  a  second  assembly  was  held  in  March, 
1663.  At  the  reoueet  of  IIia  freomen  wA  delegates,  Penn  gran- 
ted them  a  seeono  chefter,  which  dimhiished  the  munher  of  the 
councU  and  assembly,  and  was,  in  othw  vef|peeti,  f^pTerent  from 
the  first.  Some  of  the  regubtions,  at  jduA  time  adopited,  bear  the 
impress  ojf  U)e  propiietor's  singular  g^us,  and  benevolent  dls- 
position. 

8.  It  was  ordained  "  that,  to  prevent  lawsuits,  three  arbitra- 
tors, to  be  celled  peace  makers,  should  be  chosen  by  the  county 
courts,  to  hear  and  determine  sqall  differences  between  man  and 
man :  That  children  abouJd  be  taught  some  useful  trade,  to  th«! 
end  that  none  might  be  idle,  that  the  poor  mig^t  work  to  live, 
and  the  rich  if  they  should  become  poor:  That  factors,  wrongiog 
their  employers,  riiould  make  satisGwstion  and  one  third  over  : 
That  every  thing,  which  excites  the  people  to  rudeness,  orueltv, 
and  irreligioa,  otiould  be  discouraged  and  severely  punished: 
That  no  one,  acknowledging  one  Cod  and  living  peaceably  in 
society,  should  be  molested  for  his  opinions  or  his  practice,  or 
compelled  to  ij*0qttent  or  maUktidn  any  ministry  wha:ever." 

9.  These  judicious  regulations  Attracted  numeroud  emifli  ants ; 
and  to  their  salutary  influence  must  be  attributed  the  quaUties  oi' 
dili^nce,  order,  and  economy  for  vi'ljich  the  Pennsylvanians  ai'e 
»o  justly  celebrated.  Within  four  years  from  the  date  of  the 
^rant  to  Penn,  the  province  contahied  twenty  setUements,  and 
Philadelphia  two  tlioiuwid  inhabitants. 

10.  In  1684,  the  proprietor  returned  to  England.  He  lo^. 
his  provhice  in  profound  tranauiUity,  under  the  administration 
of  five  commlssionera  chosen  from  the  council.  The  unibrtu- 
nate  Jamep  the  second  soon  «fter  ascended  the  throne.  «  As 
he  ban,"  Mid  Penn,  ^*  been  my  friend,  and  my  father's  ftlend,  I 
ieol  bound  In  justice  to  be  a  friend  to  him."  He  adiiered  to 
him  while  seated  on  the  throne,  and  for  two  yoai'H  after  lie  wus 
(ucpslled  from  his  kingdom,  the  government  oi  the  province  wif 
administered  in  his  name. 

11.  By  this  display  of  attachment  to  the  ejciled  monarch,  lie 
incurred  the  dkpbosure  of  king  WillUm.  On  vague  suspicion)^ 
and  unfounded  charares,  he  wan  four  ttinos  iinprwoneii.  The 
tnrvvmment  of  his  cclony  was  taken  fVom  him,  and  given  to  Oo&i 
Vlfitcber,  the  governor  of  New-York.  But  by  the  aov«MM( 
ecmthkv,  it  was  rendered  apparent,  that  he  had,  in  all  hie  c<m« 

H 


fSSSBVtVANlA. 


*■ 


duety  becA  aslailed  u  much  bj  the  love  of  his  country  a^  bf 
||e»«Mid  gratftiide.  Hf  imnuMd  the  good  opinion  of  king 
WiOiMBi ;  and,  being  oeniilled  to  resume  and  exercise  liis  ri^tr^ 
appointed  DVIUbm  Maridtton  to  be  his  deputjr  governor. 

12.  In  1699,  he  agahi  visited  Pennsylvania,  knd  found  the 
peonle  discontented.  They  complained  that  liis  powers  and 
theiir  rights  were  not  defined  with  sufficient  precidon,  and  de- 
numded  a  new  charter.  In  1701,  he  prepared  and  presented 
one  to  the  ^fliembly,  which  was  accepted.  It  gave  to  the  as* 
«|e)pbly  the  right  of  originating  bills,  which;  by  the  previous 
charlen,  was  the  rldit  of  the  governor  alone,  and  iof  amending 
or  rejecting  those  vniich  might  be  laid  before  them.  To  Uie  g«>* 
vemor  it  gave  the  right  of  rejectfaig  bilb  passed  by  the  assem> 
bly,  of  ap; ;'>i.^^'ng  his  own  council,  and  of  exercising  the  whole 
executiv<rpower.  The  Tdrritocies,  now  the  state  of  Delaware^ 
i^Aishigti  ^rrept  the  new  charter,  separated  from  Pennsylvania, 
ax^  wf't  lowed  a  distinct  assembly.  The  same  governor, 
hoiRfr  * "  presided  over  both. 

Ih  iiiediately  after  his  third  charter  was  accepted,  Penn 
retumeni  i  T^nsrland,  and  the  executive  authority  was  afterwards 
admhiiste  .  '  deputy  governors  iqppointed  by  the  proprietor. 
The  people  incessantly  murmured  and  compluined ;  but  the  un- 
interrupted and  unparalleled  prosperity  of  the  colony  demon- 
strates, mat  but  slight  causes  of  complamt  existed.  That  which 
produ^;ed  the  grcFttest  and  most  constant  irritation  was  the  re^ 
huuH,  by  the  (Mputy  governors,  to  assent  to  any  law  imposing 
taxes  or  the  lands  of  the  proprietors,  although  the  sum  raisetl 
was  to  be  expended  for  the  benefit  of  the  whole  provhiec.  This 
imwise,  and  indeed  unjust,  claun  of  exemption,  occasioned  great- 
er disg^ist  than  injury,  and  embittend  att  the  enjoyments  of  the 
inhabitants.' 

14.  But  these  Jissentions  did  not,  In  the  least,  lelard  the  pros- 
perity of  the  colony.  !Mor  did  any  other  cause,  having  that  ten- 
dency, exist.  The  upright  conduct  of  Penii;  ip  his  intercourse 
with  Uie  Indians,  was  imitated  by  those  who  came  after  him  ; 
and,  for  seventy  years,  uninterrupted  anr  v  ly  existed  between 
then  and  the  %vhitcs.  In  the  eariy  part  of  the  rev^  Mtionar^' 
war,  the  people  adoDtad  a  new  constitution^  by  which  the  pro- 
prit'tnr  ^\ai^  excluded  from  nil  share  in  the  government.  He 
\\m  oHfered,  and  finally  accepted,  ttie  sum  of  570,000  ildllai^,  in 
dlschaqj^  of  all  qultHronta  due  from  tiic  ijihabitanti^ 


■*1«f*iF"> 


'^- 


^P*v 


'Sf",  ■ 


#' 


CHAFTEB  X. 

MAKYLAPID. 


'  DURING  tbe  reign  of  JameB  the  fiiM,  ^M%im  agtlsit 
Roman  Catholics  were  severe  and  the  popular  hatred  waa  liM«- 
terate.  Lord  Baltimore,  a  distinguished  member  of  that  seet, 
re^'olved,  in  consequence,  to  remove  from  England  to  YfaKJoia, 
believing  that  he  might  there  enjoy  his  religious  bpiiliOM»  witb* 
out  violathig  the  la^-s  or  incurring  reproach.  But  111*  people 
amonff  whom  he  eame  to  reside,  were  almost  as  intolerailt  af 
thosehe  had  left,  and  he  soon  fbund  it  necessary  to  seek  80bb4 
other  asylum. 

2.  Having  ascertained  that  the  territory  on  both  sidet  of 
Chesapealce  bay,  was  inhabited  only  by  the  natives,  he  conceived 
the  project  of  nlanthig  there  a  colohv  for  hhnself,  and  for  aU 
who  miffht  wisli  to  n^Hre  from  religious  persecution.  He  ex- 
plored the  country,  returned  to  En^and,  obtained,  the  assent  of 
Idng  Gharies  the  firsi  to  a  grant  of  territory,  but  died  before  the 
requisite  formalities  Were  completed. 

2.  Cecil,  his  eldest  son,  ond  heir  to  his  estate  and  title,  oh- 
f  ained  for  Iibnself  the  grant  intended  for  his  father.  To  the 
nnw  coloi^  the  name  of  Maryland  was  given,  in  Ituuor  of 
Henrietta  Maria,  the  royal  consort  of  Gharies.  The  land  con» 
veyod  being  witUn  the  boundaries  of  Virginia,  the  planters  in 
that  province  remonstrated  against  the  grant.  The  king  reftising 
to  rescind  it,  lord  Baltimore  made  preparations  to  commence 
a  settlement.  Ho  appointed  his  brotner,  Leonard  Calvert, 
governor ;  who,  near  the  close  of  the  year  1688,  sidled  for 
America,  accompanied  by  about  two  hundred  emigrants,  mostly 
Roman  (catholics. 

4.  They  arrived  in  February,  1634,  at  the  mouth  of  the  river 
Potomac.  At  a  conference  witi  the  Indians  who  dwelt  oii  the 
hhoiT,  they  purchased  Yoamaco,  a  considv'^rable  village.  th«  site 
of  whtch  St.  Mary's  now  occupies.  By  this  measura,  wise  hn 
woU  as  juat,  the  rightful  proprietors  of  the  soil  wert*  aatisfiod, 
convenient  habitations  and  some  cultivated  land  were  obtained, 
nn«l  the  first  settlers  were  *>!'  courMe  exempted  from  the  niiserieft 
of  ianune,  and  from  the  diseoHes  which  it  pro<kice8. 

ft.  Other  ciroumstances  favored  the  rapid  population  of  tlie 
oolonv.     The  chartw  granted  more  ample  privileges  than  hwl 


ds 


MARVLANDi 


ever  been  conecilKcl  to  a  subjiect ;  the  eountiy  was  invidng^;  tbe 
natives  were  friendly;  from  the  south  churchmen  drove  puritans; 
from  the  north  puritans  drove  dhiurdMnen,  into  her  bordon, 
where  all  were  veelj  reedved,  protected,  and  eheridied. 

6.  The  charter  granted  to  me  inhabitants  the  privilege  of 
passhig  laws  either  hj  t}ienseh«a  or  representathres,  without 
reserving  to  the  c|t)wn,  as  htfd  been  done  in  all  previous  charters, 
the  right  to  reject  tbe  laws  so  passed.  At  first,  when  tbe  freemen 
wate  few  fai^MitBbw^  each  srttended  in  person,  or  autibonzed 
someo^r  frpeouai,  who  chose  to  attend,  to  vote  and  act  in  his 
stead.  The  inereaie  ofpttpulatiMi  soon  rendered  it  necessaiy  to 
ailopt  a  different  mode  or  legislation.  In  1689,  an  act  was 
paned,  eonstkuting  a  "  house  of  assembly,"  to  be  composed  of 
sueb  as  should  be  diosen  by  the  pei^Ie,  of  such  as  should  be 
pniiiioBed  or  appointed  by  the  iNroprietw,  and  of  ibe  governor 
mkmcMaxj^  These  were  to  sit  together,  and  the  laws  which 
they  should  enact  were  to  possess  the  ^ame  validity,  a»  though 
0be  pfOjffkkioia  uad  all  the  people  had  coatAuTed  in  enacting 

7.  In*  1660^.  a  second  alteration  was  made.  The  legidative 
bedy  ii«s  dhdded  into  two  branches,  fhe  delegates  chosen  by  the 
fe(^le  eonatttnting  the  liower  house,  and  the  Bcarsooa  summoned 
by  tfk*  ptoprietors,  the  upper  house.  It  ought  to  be  stated,  for 
the  honor  of  lord  Baltimore  and  his  associates^  ^at,  while  the 
eaAolies  retained  the  ascendency  in  the  province,  th*  assembly 
paused  no  law  abridging  the  liberty  of  conscience. 

&  Birt  Ads  colony,  as  well  as  all  the  others,  in  the  early 
Mrted  of  their  existence,  was  afflicted  with  intesthie  troubles. 
l^er  were  principally  caused  by  one  William  Claybome. 
IHille  a  meaner  of  the  Yir^nki  council  he  had  obtained  a 
Vcense  from  the  king,  to  traffic  in  those  parts  of  America  where 
no  ottier  person  enjoyed  the  exclusive  ri|^t  of  trade.  Under 
ilii  license,  be  had  made  a  small  settlement  on  the  island  of 
Kent,  and,  when  the  grant  was  made  to  Lord  Baltimore,  refused 
to  submit  to  his  authority.  He  persuaded  the  natives  that  the 
*<  new  comers"  were  Spaniards,  and  enemies  to  the  Yirgilnians. 
An  Indian  war  was  the  consequence,  which  continued  several 
years,  and  was  productive  of  considerable  distress. 

9.  Claybome  was  indicted  and  convicted  of  murder,  piracy, 
and  sedition ;  and  fleeing  from  justice,  his  estate  was  confiscated. 
He  applied  to  the  Iring  for  redress,  but  alter  a  full  hearing,  was 
dismfased  without  obtaining  any  older  in  his  favor.  When  the 
dvii  vrar,  between  the  king  and  paritement,  began,  he  embraced 
the  cause  of  the  latter,  returned  to  Mnrykmd,  and,  by  his  intrigues 
towated,  in  1845,  a  rebellion  against  ita  rulers,  who  were  ftt* 


MARYLAND. 


8& 


tafihed  to  ihe  royal  cause.  Calvert,  the  governor,  waa.compelled 
to  Ay  to  Yii^^a,  and  the  insui^nts  seized  the  reins  of  govern- 
ment. The  nejct  year,  howd^^,  the  revolt  was  suppressed  and 
tranquillity  restor^. 

10.  But  after  the  parliament  had  triumphed  over  the  king, 
t^y  appointed  commissioners  for  "  reducing  and  govenUng  the 
colonies  within  the  bay  of  Ghesapeake."  Among  these  was 
Claybome,  the  evil  genius  of  Maryland.  The  proprietor,  con- 
senting to  aclmowledge  the  authority  of  parliament,  was  permit- 
ted to  retain  his  station,  but  was  unable  to  preserve  tranquillity. 
The  distractions  of  England,  findmg  their  way  into  the  colony, 
occasioned  a  civil  war,  which  ended  in  the  discomfiture  of  the 
governor  and  Roman  Catholics. 

11.  The  next  assembly,  which  was  entirely  under  the  in- 
fluence of  the  victorious  party,  ordained  that  persons  professing 
tne  Catholic  reli^on  should  not  be  considered  within  the  protec- 
tion of  the  laws.  Thus  were  they  ungratefully  persecuted  by 
men  whom  they  had  taken  to  their  bosom,  and  in  a  colony  which 
they  had  founded.  Laws  unfavorable  to  the  quakers  were  also 
enacted,  and  here,  as  in  England,  the  upper  house  was  voted  to 
be  useless.  At  the  restoration,  in  1660,  Philip  Calvert  "was  ap- 
pointed governor,  and  the  ancient  order  of  thinffs  restored. 
The  colony  then  contained  about  twelve  thousand  inhabitants. 

12.  In  1676,  died  Cecil,  Lord  Baltimore,  the  father  of  the 
province.  For  more  than  forty  years,  he  had  directed  its  aflaira 
as  proprietor,  and  displayed,  in  all  his  conduct,  a  benevolent 
Ueail  and  enlightened  understanding.  Although  he  lived  in  an 
age  of  bigotry,  he  was  liberal  in  his  opinions  ;  and  for  all  his 
exertions  to  contribute  to  the  happiness  of  his  fellow  beings,  he 
desired  no  reward  but  their  gratitude.  This  reward  he  received.^ 
The  records  of  the  Maryland  assemblv  contadn  frequent  memo- 
rials of  the  respect  and  affection  of  tne  people.  He  was  suc- 
ceeded, as  proprietor,  by  his  eldest  son,  Charles,  who  had,  for 
several  years,  been  governor  of  the  cdony,  and  displayed  Uie 
same  amiable  qualities  which  had  rendered  his  father  respect(>d 
and  beloved. 

\B.  In  the  year  1669,  the  epoch  of  the  revolution  in  England, 
the  repose  of  Maryland  was  again  disturbed.  A  rumor  was  art- 
I'uUy  circulated,  that  the  CathoUcs  had  leagued  with  the  Indians 
to  destroy  all  the  Protestants  in  the  province.  An  armed  asso* 
ciation  was  immediately  formed,  for  the  defence  of  the  Protestant 
religion,  and  for  assertbig  the  rights  of  king  William  and  queen 
Mary.  The  magistrates  attempted  to  oppose  by  force  this  asso- 
ciation t  hut,  meeting  with  few  aupportmnir  were  compelled  to 
abdicate  the  govfnrnmvnti  >  imi . 

Ha  , 


90 


NORTH  CAROLINA. 


14.  King  WiHiam  directed  those  who  had  assumed  the  ea» 
preme  authority  to  exercise  it  fai  his  name ;  and  for  tvventy 
seven  jreurs  the  crown  retatbied  Ae  eii&«  c<«ftrol  of  Ae  province. 
In  1716,  the  proprietor  was  restored  to  his  ririits ;  wad  be  and 
his  descendaaCs  conflnued  to  enjoy  th^^m  unta  die  commence- 
ment of  ^  revoiotion.  "Hie  people  then  assumed  the  govem- 
inent,  adepted  a  constitution,  and  refused  to  admit  the  claimB  ot 
lord  BaltnMre  to  jurisdiction  or  property.  ^ 


■1 


Sf. 


CHAPTER  XI. 


Jj"..!-*^ 


NOETH  CAROLINA. 


IN  1680,  Charles  the  first  gi'anted  to  sir  Robert  Heath  alf' 
the  tenitoiy  between  the  30th  and  36th  degrees  (^  north  latitude^ 
and  extending  from  the  Atlantic  ocean  to  the  Soutli  sea,  by  the 
name  of  Carolina.  Under  this  grant,  no  settlement  was  made. 
Between  1640  and  1660,  per«ions  suffering  from  religious  into- 
lerance in  *l^irtrinia,  fled  bey cm<t  her  Umits,  and,  without  license 
from  any  source,  occup!<e<!!  *^'  £  portion  of  North  Carolina,  north 
of  Albttnarle  sound.  They  ibmA  the  whoters  mild  and  the  soil 
fertile.  As  their  cattle  and  Bwino  procured  tiiieir  own  suppoH 
in  the  woods  and  multiplied  fkst,  they  were  enabled,  with  little 
labor,  to  live  in  the  enjoyment  of  abundance.  Their  numbei* 
was  annus^y  augmented  ;  they  acknowledged  no  superior  upon 
earth,  and  obeyMl  no  laws  but  those  of  God  and  nature. 

2.  In  1661,  another  settlement  was  made,  near  the  mouth  of 
Clarendon  river,  by  adventurers  from  Massachusetts.  The  land 
being  sterile  and  the  Indians  hostile,  they,  in  1668,  abandoned  it. 
Immediately  afterwards,  their  place  was  sujppUed  by  emigrants 
from  Barbadoes,  who  lavested  Shr  John  Yeomoas  with  the  au- 
thority of  governor. 

8.  Sir  Robert  Heath  having  neglected  to  complv  with  the 
conditions  of  his  patent,  the  king,  in  1668,  granted  the  same 
territory  to  Lord  Clarendon  and  seven  others,  and  invested  them 
wiHi  ample  powers  of  government  over  thoiie  who  should  inhabit 
it.  To  encourage  emigra^n,  ^v  gave  public  oasarances,  tfiat 
all  who  might  remove  to  Iheir  territonr,  shouM  Myoy  unrestrict- 
ed religious  liberty,  and  be  govenM-*  by  A  fine  MMnbly.    Th» 


settleKf 

to  retai 

at  the  t 

regulati 

their  m 

theurmi 

.  4.  A 

Locke, 

mired,  | 

providec 

bis  offict 

;   tors ;  th 

caziques 

presenta 

with  the 

sembly, 

the  palat 

and'deci< 

it  by  a  g 

deputies 

6.  Th 

politician 

people  fd 

pleased  t 

it,  produ< 

the  progr 

and  impi 

ance  in  n 

insurgent 

Against  th 

6.  In] 

Srietors, 
outh  Ca 
he  removi 
Ashley  an 
honor  of  I 
soon  aflei 
governor 
new  settl( 
Clarendoi 
fVom  Alb 
ment  ovei 
North  an( 
T  The 
domeflti0< 


4N0RTH  CAROLINA. 


M 


I 


settlero  nn  Alb«marle  soondwere,  on  cotain  conditions,  allowed 
to  retail  0ieip  lapd^  A  government  over  them  was  organized, 
at  the  head  bf  yrbkh  m  Mr*  Dnunmond  was  jdaced.  With  th^ 
regulations  imposed,  liuj  were  diMBtlsfied,  and  revolted ;  but 
their  ffrievances  were  redunessed,  and,  in  1668,  th^  retuxzied  to 
their  duty.  •  % 

.  4.  At  the  request  of  the  proprieton,  the  celebrated  John 
Locke,  whose  political  wiiUi^ls  wwe  then  much  read  and  ad- 
mired, prepared  for  the  colony  a  consdtudon  of  g^nenuBent    It 

rovided  that  a  chief  officer,  to  be  catted  &»  pawttae  and  to  hold 

is  office  during  lifis,  diould  be  elected  from  among  the  t>  ie- 
tors;  diat  a  heriditary  nobility,  to.  be  called  landgi  ">'I 

caziques,  should  ha  created ;  and  that,  once  in  twu  ^ 
presentatives  cdiould  be  chosen  by  &e  freeholders.  A 
with  the  proprietors  or  their  deputies,  were  to  meet  in  .^j  as- 
sembly, which  was  to  be  called  the  psoiiament,  and  over  which 
the  psdatine  was  to  preside.  The  parliament  could  deliberate 
and  decide  only  upon  such  proposiUons  as  should  be  laid  before 
it  by  a  grand  council  composed  of  the  palatine,  nobility,  and 
deputies  of  the  proprietors. 

6.  This  constitution,  however  wise  it  might  seem  to  Englisli 
politicians,  wo.*^  not  adapted  to  tiie  sentiments  and  habits  of  the 
people  for  whom  it  was  prepared.  Its  aristocratic  features  dis- 
pleased them.  The  measures  adopted  to  introduce  and  enforce 
it,  produced,  hi  connexion  with  other  causes,  an  insurrection,  ui 
the  progress  of  which  the  palathie,  fmd  the  deputies  were  seized 
and  imprison^].  AppUcaUon  was  made  to  Vir|^ia  for  assist- 
ance in  restoriMf  order ;  but  the  fear  of  punishment  induced  the 
insurgents  to  submit,  before  an  amMd  Kurce  could  be  arrayed 
Against  them. 

6.  In  1670,  William  Sayle,  under  the  dh«ction  of  the  pro- 
prietors, made  a  settlement  at  Port  Royal,  within  the  limits  of 
South  Carolina.  The  next  year,  dissatisfied  with  this  station^ 
he  removed  hb  colony  nortliward,  to  a  neck  of  land  between 
Ashley  and  Cooper  rivers,  where  he  laid  out  a  to^vn,  which,  hi 
honor  of  the  kin^  then  reignhig,  he  caUed  Cliarleston.  Dying 
soon  after.  Sir  John  Yeomans,  who  had,  for  several  years,  been 
governor  at  Clarendon,  was  appointed  to  succeed  him.  Tliis 
new  settlement  attracted  at  first  muiy  inhabitants  from  that  at 
Clarendon,  and  at  length  entirely  exhausted  it.  Being  remote 
ft>om  Albemarte,  the  proprietors  established  a  separate  govern- 
ment over  it,  and  hence  arose  the  distinctive  appellationi  of 
North  »nd  Soutfi  CaroUna. 

7.  The  prosperity  of  the  northern  colony  was  retarded  by 
domestio  disMntions.    To  uttay  them;,  Sffth  Sothel^  one  of  the 


^. 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


1.0 


I.I 


■o  Vi   12.2 
£   Ui   12.0 


IL25  III  1.4 


Photographic 

Sdaices 

CorporaUon 


^ 


* 
^ 
<♦ 


)3  WMT  MAIN  ITIIII< 
WIHTIR.NV.  I4IM 


^    ^"^ 
^ 


v\ 


98 


NORTH  CA&OUKl^ 


projI^etMit  WM  uppolnted  chief  awgiftrate.  His  conduct,  f^r 
irwn  niMig'qiiHfc  and  oonteiitniM^  incifaaed  th0  diMurders 
^tbUSk  had  before  fnvUM.  Ht  k  repr«i«itt«lf«»  the  most 
eoknqpt  iovl  nqpadoM  of «ll0Diel  gbveiRion^ .  He  pluqdered  the 
iniiooeiit  nd  neehed  hrijiai  fr6m  folonB.  .  Wot  eb  T«an,  the 
Inhabihintw  endured  hie  ii^iutlce  and  oppreeeion.  Tfaev  then 
«JiMd  him) with  wvtew  of  aendhig  him  to  England  for  trU  At 
hit  Mouiit,  lie  waa  daCalnad  and  med  by  the  awembly,  who  bs- 
niidiM  hhn  ^NHn  the  gqIout* 

8.  Hia  amefer  waa  gbBip  Lndweil,  of  Vfargtoia,  and  to  him 
Mweaaded  John  Arshdale,  wbo  waa  a  qualnr  and  one  of  the 
proprklofi.  Both  were  popular  govemon ;  under  their  ad- 
minMrallon,  the  ookmy  proapered  and  the  peqple  were  happy. 
In  1698,  at  the  raqncak  of  uie  Carolhiiana,  the  eonatitutlon  of 
Locke  waa  abrogated  by  tiie  proprietoro,  and  each  colony  waa 
•ftarwafda  ruled  by  a  governor,  eounell,  and  houae  of  represen- 

9.  In  ,1*707,  •  company  of  French  proteitanta  anrhred  and 
aeeted  tbiemaeKrea  o^  ue  riyer  Trent,  a  branch  of  the  Neuse. 
in  1710,  a  lane  number  of  Palatinae,  fleeing  (W>m  reliffious 
penecotion  in  Germanir,  Mttaht  refuge  in  the  aame  part  of  the 
provtoee.  To  each  of  neia,  ttie  proprietom  granted  one  hundred 
aorea  of  land.  They  lived  happy,  tor  a  few  yean,  hi  the  e^joy-i 
tnent  of  llbeity  of  eonaclen^e,  and  in  the  proi^t  of  competence 
anileiMM. 

^0.  But  luddenty  a  tevriUe  calamity  fell  upon  them.  The 
Tuaearora  and  Corac  Indiana,  amarting  under  recent  iniuriea» 
and  dreadini;  total  extinction  tram  the  encroachment  of  theee 
atrangen,  putted,  with  chavacteriitic  eecreoy,  fheir  entire  d^ 
structton.  Sendhig  their  ikmiliea  to  one  of  their  foi;tified  towns, 
tvrelve  hundred  bowmen  sallied  forth,  and,  fan  the  aame  night, 
attacked,  in  aepara^  paitiea,  the  nearest  settlementa  of  the  Pa^ 
latinaa.  Men,  women,  and  children  were  indlscrbninatel?  but- 
chered. The  aavam  with  the  awiftnesa  and  ferocity  of 
wohrea,  ran  flrom  ▼flhfe  to  village.  Before  them,  was  tbv 
repose  of  hmooence  \  behind,  the  aleep  of  death.  A  few,  es- 
caping, alamed  the  aettlementa  more  remote,  and  faaalened  t6 
Smith  Carolina  for  asalalanee* 

U.  Oovemcr  OrsRran  hnmedlately  despatched,  to  the  aid  of  the 
alstar  colony,  nearly  a  thousan^l  men,  under  the  command  oi' 
Colonel  Barnwett.  AAar  n  fotlgulnff  march  through  a  hideous 
wUdemssa,  they  met  the  ensmv,  attacked,  defeated,  and  pursued 
them  to  their  foitlfled  town,  which  was  Immedime^y  baaieged.  In 
a  few  dws,  peace,  at  their  aolicltation,  waa  concloded,  a&4 
Colonel  Barnwell  NUimed  to  SoiUh  CaroUna, 


N^KTR  €AROLIKA. 

19.  Tba  pMM  WM  ihofC,  nd  upon  Ac  

hoallUtiei,  iHlilaiiMwM^pdBtettdftsdframtlieaoaftMineofc^ 


dMMtobed,  wUh  knty  wUto  bmu  ud  «ig|il  hundnd  tHtndl|]r 
IndluM.  He  fimiid  ne  eneinT  in  » fort  new  Cotoeboy'  rber. 
After »Bi8ge,wldU»cMilaiMi[(ttM«0ten«wMk»tfa^  nvtwii 
taken  end  eight  hundred  Indfauie  made  priaonfn.  Tl|e  Tiisoa- 
roraSfdUieaitenedbTthie  defeat,  m 

lirilMM    The oHewgaid ferywii and 


AVuidtf. 
IS.  Ualil  mt^thetiro  CarollMii,tfaaiigkdMnetfcr  inaii|r|pa»> 


pr^pfWOTie*  xWMHr  ■■■  i^Mnpiei|piHveB  f  ■■wpHmvevvi 
toe  ipovafiifln  aMP  ippperaed  BMi|f  ^a|nvMHt^  adMMW  to  each 
other,  the  latter  beeame  diaoontented  and  refiraetoify.  Thfir 
complaiMd'totfMi  Idn^,  whodlteeted  iayiw  to  be  aaade  hi  nif 
eowlft    Thia  ehaftar  libkb  he  had  nialed  ipae  deolawd.  fer* 


eowlft  Thia  ehaitag  'y/kiA  he  had  gwJated  wae  dedawd.  fct^ 
lenaei  ana  eweaeB  ewonyy  nyiigovOTUBMHiiii-eana^unaoBp 
iiwjieu  wm-  eaflBroiMvy  were  enaaHaaao* 

14.  SoeaidlM'ihii  eTeat,the  aoi  hi  the  Itkukm  ef  Herlh 
Carolina  waa  ftuMii  9»  be  aoperier  hi  feMOiti'  t»iliMl  on  thaeaa* 
eoaat.  The  aaUliaMvlBa  eenaaaiMBllr*  ail  rami  id  vaoMttT  hito  the 
wndenMNRk  ~  Won  the  aortheni  eeleiilMii'  pavtleuNrfy  AHMjni* 
vania,  atniltllndea  were  allttred  to  thhi  ra^on  by  the  wildiuM  of 
the  cUmate,  and  by  the  feeJihy  ef  obMMBf  hi  ihendaiwie  all  the 
neoeanrloB  of  Bfe.  At  peace  wHh  the  Indhwa,  and  tbvtnnate 
in  her  geiforaori,  the  eeleny  ooMkfaHied  to  prooper  until  the  oom* 
neneement  of  the  tronbiaa  wMoh  ppeoeedad  abe  rerointion* 


■vq 


-tely.'vj^ 


j»v: 


•^>  'it-  • 


cuMMmita. 


SOUTH  CAROLINA 


f  HIS  colony,  and  thai  of  Noprlfa  Car«liiia«  were,M  Im  alNttdy 
bMBttatediJndudod  in  the  MBHi  ehaiter*  In  167D,  govefnor 
Sajle  made,  at  Fort  Royal,  the  fint  pennanent  Mttlemei^  witUn 
ita  Inniif*  The  next  year,  he  founded  Old  i;harieslon,  on  the 
banka  of  the  ri?er  Jbluey*  In  1684,  aU  the  fiwemony  meeting 
at  thia  place,  elected  lepieaentatbes  to  ait  in  the  colondal  pteUa- 
ment,  acconUngto  the  provisiona  of  the  eoaatilutlon  prapaved  by 
llr#  Locke* 

2.  Several  ofaoiiBMlanctecontributedto  proinote  the  aettle- 
raent  of  thia  colony.  The  conquest  of  New-Tork  indaced  niany 
of  the  Dutch  to  raiovt  to  it*  jFrom  England,  puiitana  eame  to 
avoid  the  profimity  and  UcentfouaneM  which  diagraced  the  court 
of  Charics  the  aecond ;  and  cavaliers,  to  retrieve  their  fortunes, 
eidiausted  by  the  civil  wars*  The  arbitrary  measurea  of  Lou!9 
XIY,  drove  many  FrMtch  protestants  faito*  exile,  some  of  whom 
crosaad  the  Atlantic  and  settled  in  Carolina*  Many  of  these 
exiles  were  rich ;  all  were  Industrious,  and  by  their  exemplary 
demeanor  gained  the  aood  will  of  the  proprietors. 

8.  The  situathm  of  Charleston  being  round  Inconvenient)  the 
inhabitants,  in  1680,  removed  to  Oyster  Point,  wherr  new 
city  was  laid  out,  to  which  the  name  of  the  other  waa||^>  In 
the  same  year.  Commenced  a  war  with  the  Westoes,  a  pwiverful 
tribe  of  Imlians,  which  threatonedsgreat  iigury  ^o  the  colony. 
Peace,  however,  was  soon  restored.  In  16110,  Keth  Sothel,  one 
of  the  proprietors,  havfaig,  for  corrupt  conduict,  been  driven  firom 
North  Carolina,  appeared  suddenly  at  Charleston,  and,  aided  by 
a  powerAil  faction,  assumed  the  reins  of  government.  Two 
yearn  aftenvp  .'tis  he  waa  removed  fVom  office. 

4.  The  proprietors,  having  observed  the  good  conduct  of  the 
French  protestants,  directed  Uie  ffovemor  to  permit  them  to  elect 
rapreientatives,  a  privilege  whicn  they  had  never  yet  exercised. 
Tne  English  Episcopalians,  unwilling  that  any  of  their  heredi- 
tary enemies,  who  old  not  belong  to  their  church,  should  bo 
associated  with  themselves  In  the  enjoyment  of  the  rights  of 
freemen,  were  exuperated,  and  opposed  the  concession  with 
great  clamor  and  xeal.  They  even  went  iluther.  Warmed  by 
opposition,  they  proposed  to  enforce,  with  respect  to  them,  tm 


»  ', 


SODTH  OAROIilNA; 


I,  fgofmroot 
nevk  within 

mh  «■  *® 

tty  VMtlBg 

rib*  Mttle- 

um  caBM  to 
Dd  Uie  oourt 
elr  fortunes, 
«■  of  Louis 
M  of  whom 
J  of  thON 

MMnplwy 


hws  of  Enf^aad  agninil  foreigiiiM»  JwriUliig  Ihift  they  eoiU  not 
iMuBr  poMe«  ml  «itel#  in  thn  Mtanr*    They  abo  dtdvid 


thtl  Ur  muriigof,  bflinff  tMliianiwd[  hr  FWHonh  tefadrtwi, 
wuve  void,  and  that  Hbb  ehiUrMi  eoidd  not  UMrit  the  pcopaitjr 
of  their  fathen.  1^  Uie  diifphqr  of  a  spirUio  UliMiMd 
unehritfian^  theae  atnagai*  wira  alaimid  and  diaeoteaod. 
They  loMW  not  for  wbam  they  labored*  Bat,  eonnlananead  by 
the  governor,  tlier  remained  in  the  colony,  wod^  fiw  the  pVfienV 
withdiewifaeir  ewat  to  the  right  of  anffirage. 

6.  Tet  Uie  forment  da)  not  anbaide  on  the  mpdval  of  the 
cauaa  wUeh  produced  it  Such  was  the  general  turbulenoe  and 
(disorder,  the  people  eomphdkih^  of  their  nilerp  and  quaitolttng 
among  themaehea,  that,  in  1085,  John  Arehdale  waa  aaibi  evwi 
as  governor  of  both  Oardinas,  and  inrealad  wllhiAiB  power  to 
racbesa  all  giievaneea.  He  aueeeeded  in  reatoriog  onler,  but 
found  the  antipathy  against  the  unfartunateexUea.  too  great  to  be 
eneountwed,  with  any  hope  of  success,  ui^  softened  by'time  and 
their  amiable  dei»ortment  These  prodaeed  the  efieets  which  he 
anticipated.  In  a  few  years,  the  French  protestanls  were  ad- 
mitted, by  thejgeneral  assembly,  to  all  the  righto  of  dtisens  and 
freemian.  ^ 

6*  Althouflfa  the  proprietors,  by  thd  regubtiens  which  wwe 
iti  force  herore  the  constitution  of  Loche  waa  adopted,  and 
which  were  restored  upon  its  abfogatien,  had  stipulated,  that 
Ubeity  of  conscience  should  be  universally  enjoyed ;  yet  one  of 
them.  Lord  Granville,  a  bigoted  churchman,  and  Jamea  lfbore» 
the  governor,  resolved  to  emet,  if  possible^  the  establishment, 
in  the  colony,  of  the  Episcopal  religion^  They  knew  that  a 
minority  of  the  people  were  dissenfers,  and  diatVr  wt  and  In- 
trigue only,  could  meir  deslgrin  be  acconipUihed.  The  gnvemor, 
who  Waa  avaricious  and  vend,  became  the  tool  of  GfanvUIe.  He 
interfered  hi  the  elections,  and,  by  bribing  the  voters,  succeeded 
in  procuring  a  mi^rity  hi  the  aasembly  who  would  be  aubiiivient 
to  his  wishes. 

7.  A  law  waa  passed,  establishing  the  episcopal  religion,  and 
exeludfaif  disaenlers  from  a  seat  hi  the  aasembly.  It  was  laid 
before  the  proprietors,  without  whose  sanction  it  could  not 
BoaaesB  penMUMBt  falldlt^.  Arehdale,  who  had  ratumed  to 
England,  opposed  h  with  ahUHy  and  spirit.  He  ioriHii  that 
good  ftdth,  polimr,  lnterssl»  even  piety,  ooneurrsd  to  dictate  Ha 
K^jeetfon.  But  LoidOranviltodeolarsd  himself  hi  Anrei  of  H» 
and  H  raoalved  eonBimatlon. 

8.  The  dissenters  saw  ihemaelveB  at  onee  dtprhrsd  el  these 
privUegii  for  which  they  had  abandoned  thelt  Mllii  nowiiy, 
sad  iiieiraBiefBd  the  dengenand  haidiilpic*  Ifai  ee^i  tod  e 


96 


SOMH  OJOtOUKH. 


BtmUi  fitfmtid  to  Imtv  te  tfdbif  and  settle  in 

OflmfMBOMl  tlMit^vHnoMknMM  tgBiaifc^fae 

l»  iMWMlii  40  Us  hmm  of  looiis  nd  Hiki 

Tbe  iofdi  etpNMed,  tgr  a  ▼ote,  their 

i)i'0m  Itw,  end  upon  flurfr  euUelleliuu,  queen 

«oeii  «fter,  Leitf  ^buMiib  died!,  eiidilie 

bf  more  Hbord  eoaiwfle,  egada  eajofed  ^ 


9.  In  1709,  war  thaa  ■rietfcig  boNfeOB  Eaieland  and  Spain, 

ftr  BpaBllb  alundtMr,  led  in  expedidon 


mae.    It 


agaiHtlk.JUfMliBe.    ItwaabadlTpianaMl,  ffono  eoncvted, 
andtfciM.    ^B0tvyiiglroBiideftgtHNmad,liomot,athone,th^ 


BfUiMoplo.  To aHoiieeliieae,  Im  navdhed,  at  tiie 
liMul«fabed^if^«roope,MaiaBkthe  Apalarhian  Indiane,  wlio 
iiad  beeoflie  InMleal  and  hoalUe.  In  ttiie  «i|wdition  lie  was 
liweeeaM,  itkhg  uumff  prieoneiv,  and  lagrioff  their  tewne  in 
adMB.  Bf  hk  vIefeeifBa  over  the  mnigm,  he  relfleved  hie 
channMer;  and,  hf  awfaig-the  nrleoneni  ae  davea,  oblainedi 
what  he  meet  coveted,  oonalderwle  peiiiMial  eaBokntaeot 

to.  In  1706,  the  Spaniapdi,  (Wmb  Florida,  Infaded  Caiolhia 
The  ffoveraor,  Natliaiiiel  Johnaon,  hating  received  intimation 
of  their  ap|Nroaoh,ereetedfortlfiMitloi»  and  made  arrangements 
to  ohtain,  on  eheit  warning,  the  asaiatanoe  of  the  mflitb.  When 
the  raiemjHi fleet appearadMlbre  Chaviaaton,  the  whole  strength, 
of theeowiiy waaenmaiieMd  todeimd  it  A loree  ao fonnldable 
enaurad  hi  mlhlgr.  AllirbarniBifafewilelaehedbiiihiian,  the 
eaemf  retired  wMhoat  faiflletfaig  olher  h^jury.  One  or  their 
ships,  hafHng  aiaaly  men  on  boaird,  was  oaplared  bjr  the  Carolir 
uians* 

11.  In  IVli,  albraaveral  years  of  profound  peaee,  an  Indian 
war  broke  out  All  the  tribea,  from  Florida  to  cape  Fear,  had 
been  hmg  engMid  in  a  oonsplraey  to  artityails  the  whites.  In 
the  wammg  of  the  IMh  ef  April,  the  fiiit  Mow  was  simek.  At 
Pooatallgo,  and  the  settlements  eroand  Port  RotsI,  ahMlj  per- 
sons  weie  maaaaend.  The  inhahltania  of  VBm  hitter  place 
eseaped,  bjr  embarklag  preoipiUftely  on  boenl  a  veasel,  which  was 
then  in  the  harbor,  ead  sallliig  dkeetlT  to  Ohariastoe. 

19.  This  massaope  was  pespsirated  bjr  thoaoutheni  Indianl^ 
The  noMhem,  al  the  sanae  ttnae,  aMaeked  the  aettlemeats  near 
them.  Maaj  of  the  fadiabltaata  vreie  kIBed,  and  maajr  fled  to 
Ghailesten.  At  a  phaflatlea  on  Boeae  eraek,  aevety  wMtea  and 
for^  fahhftil  negroee,  behig  proteoted  bf  a  braMt  work,  de- 
tamUttid  to  wahmato  their  peat  On  me  flnt  attask,  their 
oflWiie  Ibtted,  aai  they  agreed  to  aarfeBder.  The  fautant  they 
wemli  iM  povir  ef  (ha  eaamy,  aH  were  bailiareaiiy  murdered^ 


m 

mi 

batt 
eaei 
Mm 
moe 
1^ 

S5 

»  relia 
term 
whie 
ibvoi 

11 

thoM 

redoc 

to  the 

settle] 

again 

aodlo 

16. 

justici 

Oftbi 

iwieto^ 

thoTti 

anci  e< 

genen 

intere< 

Trott, 

Mat  an 

prowb 

waited 
sive  y 
Ohaiie 
iiromi 
solemn 
of the  I 
vaqoest 
adpiini 
18. 
Them 


miffft^m^mA' 


97 


r  Mttte  in 

rotor  ^«ir 
«ii,  <pteeii 

BJoj«d^ 

iiid  fiMn, 
expedUton 

I  tlBtCUtBd} 

Ml,  «t  the 
ittHUit  who 
Ion  he  w«8 
rr  (owmi  in 
ilriwred  hii 
I,  obtafaied, 

nent 

»d€eiolhia 
I  inthnition 
rnngements 
Mtfa.  When 
loleirtrensth. 
ofomUwle 
ufldlBM,  ihe 
ne  of  their 
iheCeroUr 

le,  tn  Indian 
•  FoiT,  had 
ivfatoei.  In 
Uniok.  At 
AlMty  per- 
tatter  place 
Ijivhlch  was 

Indianfti 
lent!  near 
iiajriledto 
wblleictnd 
E,  de> 
^  their 
Iniluitthey 
\f  murdereoi 


13r  Governor  Qrmi,  af  jtbe  b^  of  ti^iilve  hundred  Jpda, 

.._.  __._^  .*. ^  y||e  AppwM4  to  ^  wflderii^ 

letbri  hiilB»    M  SallMtdieri.  he 

oeiu  an  ABfwtfi^titfft  and  hloodv 

wnitea  were  vietorioui^  dHi^iiut  ^lia 

Ulog  Ihem  to  leare  ttia  (mfiee* 


fpsnnd  tleii^ 
beetle  was  f< 
enengr  beipm 
Moelo^th^ 


Inhere  mej  were  received,  In  the 


82^ 

Tbei 


moitliiBioAy  B9ipu)Mir,  V  t^  8pei^^ 

,    14.  In  tliba|iofftw,£9iir  hundred  whitaBwaiiel^^ 

of  ^feat  yahie  deitaroyed,  and  a  large  debt  ooali|ieled. 
Nrqipriiloni  tluiiq(h  ^ptfM^y  Mttclted,  reftaed  to 
(  oir  to  pf^  any  poftfaNi  of  ^  debt  The  aiioinbfar  m- 
tenainiad  toyemip^ira^aflip  co]ony,hy  dlapoafny  of  the  Umd  tan 
whieh  the  Indiana  had  been  driven,  tlio  t«nH  o4lpnd  wave  ao 
flmtwrablo-  AatiJfe  hnndred  IridiBien  hnmeAatelv  came  over, 
and  pwileo  thoBM^viBp  on  the  mi^tienL 

16.  The  pnipiietoft,  refiiuring  to  s^nct^  the  proceedlngf  of 
the  aaienablyp  deprbed  theaii  wamafm  of  tjieh'  landa*    Some, 


*w«  mm^aaM»n^f  ,«iil||ii  •««»   wwnw  iiiyiiyn—  vs    if  ■oil     ■■■p— i       wvM<w* 

reduced  to  ovtr^BM  p(nferky>  jporined  $t»ni|ranl,  othenrei^orM 
to  the  northern  coloQiea.  A  atrong  barrier  between  the  old 
settlementa  and  ^  aavagea,  waa  thua  renoved,  an4  tbf  country 
again  exposed  to  tbiirincuraloni.  Tli#pe9ptow«>rB«xaiperatea, 
andlonm  for  n  ekange  of  maateri* 

16.  The  corrupt  m  cppreaaive  conduct  of  Trott,  tlia  chiel^ 
juatice,  and  Bbett,  the  receiver-genenl,  increaaed  the  dli^oiitenti 
Of  the  forttifr,  the  governor  and  councO  coi)[|plain<^d  to  the  prd- 
inieton«  and  aoUetted  hla  reodl*  Inatead  of  repnovlng  hfan, 
they  thuiked  him  for  hla  aervioea,  and  raiy»ov«d  Uie  oovemor 
and  council.  With  the  governor  next  appointod»  thou^  a  man 
generally  beloved,  the  an«ttUy  refojtod  to  have  any  eonceni  or 
intereourae.  They  drew  up  ai^blaa  of  Impfechment  i^ainst 
Troti,  accualng  him  of  coi^qptio^  pnd  groaa  mtaconduct,  and 
seat  an  iHse^t  to  £a|^tend|to  maji^tfan  t^ieir  MCuaatlon  before  t^ 
prowiatora*    Ha  waa  nevei^heleif  ooathuipa  hi  o£Sce. 

17.  Thenatlenoe  of'the  pe<Ma  waa  exhauated,  and  tht^ 
waited  only  for  a  favorable  opportunity  to  throw  off  their  opMPB»i 
live  voke.  In  1719|  at  a  flaneral  review  of  the  BBllma  at 
Chaneaton.  oocaalQaifd  by  a  tpraatoned  hivaalon  of  Uie  colony, 
from  Floiiaa,  the  o£fkierB  and  aoldlera  bound  themielvei,  by  a 
aolemn  conupaet)  to  auppoit  each  other  hi  raaiatbc  Ihe  tyranny 
oftbepropiietoni;  aqo  the  aaaembly,  which  waa  then  baeiiion, 
vequeated  the  governor,  by  a  reqpeotfol  addraaa,  to  eottaeat  to 
admlniajer  thegoveraoent  \^  the  Ufme  qf  t^  Una;. 

18.  He  refoaed,  and,  by  proclamation,  dliaolved  the  aaaambly. 
The  memben  fanmediatety  maft  aa  a  convention,  and  elected 


98 


sotrrs  OAAOLDrA. 


oolaiiil  JiuMi  Mpora  flMir  fovinu^  He  was  a  bdd  mui,  and 
auMbaiiA^  well  qaaUM  iSr  a  poBtfirieiBJar>  la  «  tarbeieitt 
fleaioii.  He  aooqptod  ll»  ap^MraMittfc,  iuad^  aninad  tiy  tlie 
ooBieaiioi^aiiil'Mlportedligribe  people  t^^  dieaffidn 

oftfaecclcnr. 

10.  The  coiKlaet  of  thejpnM^^ 
heton  liii  nuyeihritt  cooneii.  After  afiA  hmng,  it  was  deci- 
ded, that  both  cofoniea  lAuttM  be  talnin  tiOMter  tbe  protecfien  of 
the  crown,  fieveral  yeaim  afterwawtt,  eeveii  of  Itle  proprietors 
sioM  to  Um  Ung  their  daim  to  the  mi!  nidtenta,  ind^ul  aarigAed 
to  Um  tlu^  ruht  of  jnyiaiKietion.  Ttia  gtftenimeii^  #w  luiiae- 
qoemfy  admiidMered  hf  exiseutive  oflfeara,  iqp^dniad  bf  lii» 
<aown,  andliy  ainembliea,  ehoaen  l^^  pe(^^  iMt^^ 
control  the  coloi^  proapered. 

SO.  In  1788»  occurred  an  alanninglBaiiiTeetiono 
A  number  of  them  assembled  at  Stonb,  atupriaed  and  UM  two 
m^  who  had  cfaiofe  of  t  ware-house,  lirom  whieh  ther  took 
SUM  and  aamuoitidn.  They  then  chose  a  eiftahi,  ami,  with 
drums  beallntf  and  colofa  %ing,  ntedied  soirthweatwaid.  The^ 
burned  every  nouse  on  their  way,  kOled  all  the  whites  th^y  could 
find,  and  compelled  other  negroea  to  jofai  them. 

81.  Governor  Bull,  who  was  returning  to  Chaileiton,  i^om . 
^  southward,  accidentally  met  them,  hastened  out  of  their  way^ 
and  spread  an  alarm.  The  newa  soon  reached  Wntown,whJBre, 
ibrtnnately,  a  laige  conmgation  were  attendhig  divine  service. 
The  men  naving,  acconUng  to  a  law  of  tiie  province,  brought 
their  aims  to  the  place  of  worship,  mirahed  Instantly  In  miest  of 
the  negroes,  who,  by  tide  time,  had  become  formidable,  and 
spread  terror  and  desolation  around  them. 

It.  While,  in  an  open  field,  they  were  carooahig  and  dandng, 
with  firantic  exultation  at  thefar  hto  success,  they  were  suddennr 
attacked  by  the  whites.  Som  vrerl  UOod,  the  raflttafaider  fled. 
Moat  of  the  fiigitbes  were  tdrnn  and  tffed.  They  who  had 
been  coadpelled  to  johi  the  cdnspfratora,  were  pardoned ;  but  all 
the  tekdors  and  fi«il  insorgeMs  suAred  death.  About  twenty 
ivhitoa  were  murdered. 

It.  Worn  this  period  until  the  era  of  the  revohation,  no  inv^ 
portent  event  oocuted  hi  the  colony.  Itwasaometimeidistras- 
jied  by  Indian  wan ;  but  the  number  of  Inhabitanla  and  the 
mttns  of  subsistenoe  and  oomfint.  wai«  constantly  faicrtaifaig. 
findgranta  came  prtedpaUyfirom  the  northani  cokMusi ;  but  oAttL 
large  bodies  of  protestante  arrived  flmn'Burope;  hi  one  year, 
1752,  the  number  who  canit  egceidad  itgtete  nuadred.      « 


'i^ : 


mail,  and 
toiMeftt 

d  >]r  die 
AKiaAifB 


I . 


:sjr.- 


..**■. 


WB0idiBdi- 
tectton  df 
ro]prtiftoTs 
liaeilgiM 
fU  twee-  J 
id  bj^  Ae  • 
ndsrHfieip 

0  negroes 
klMtvro 
iber  took 
•id,  Tirlth 
ird.  They 
ttriiy  could 

iriUm,  from 

m,  whiBre» 
10  MTflce. 
e,  brought 
noUMtof 
Itbw,  and 

ddandntf, 
ittddennr 

nder  fled, 
ivho  had 

d;  bntatt 

ut  twenty 

n,  BO  iiii<^ 
eidlirtiM- 
and  the 
BflBiraig* 
but  often 


xm. 


GriEOtiQVL 


'  OTOK  the  aontliem  pari  oif^  territory  iachided  In  the 
CaintUnfi  cbwrlflf kPO  aetdeiiient  iraa  made,  until  aevteral  years 
afWrJ^  chaiter  was  forfeited.  In  June  lt88,  several  bene- 
vqbnil  geliMemen,  in  Kudand,  concerted  a  prueet  ibr  |^antfaig 
a  cokty.  in  that  nnoccu|ue4  rei^n.  Their  piiuabel  olgect  was 
to  r^Uife,  by  toansporwtt  thitfaer,  the  indimt  subMds  of  Great 
Britjrfili  butr^fir  fipp  of  benerblence  enbraeed  dso  the  peiiw- 
cuted  Moti^ptants  of  aO  uations. 

,  !•  To  1^  pnoject  flprinsfaig  from  moms  so  noUe  and  disln- 
teiMted»  ^  pwple  and  ue  government  extended  their  eneoof 
ragement  and  patroiiage.  A  patent  was  granted  by  the  Ung, 
conveying  to  twenty-one  trustees  <^  terHtory  now  eonstJtntlng 
the  slate  of  Qioiioi^,  vHiieh  was  to  be  apportlbned  gratuitottdj 
among  the  setders  i  pnd  liberal  donations  vrere  nnide  by  fm 
charit^hle^  to  defray  the  ezpenie  of  transporthig  them  across  the 
AUantic.  and  of  providing  for  their  support  the  ifarst  season. 

8.  The  concerns  of  the  cplony  were  managed  by  the  trustees, 
who  freehr  devoted  much  of  thefr  thne  to  Uie  undertaUng. 
Among  Qwer  rMulatlom^they  provided,  that  the  lands  shouUI 
not  be  sold  nor  dwvised  by  the  owners,  but  should  descend  to  the 
male  cUMUren  only ;  they  forbade  the  use  of  rum  in  the  colony^ 
and strielly  prohibited  the  fanportatlon of  Qegroes,  Butnon^or 
these  reguatlons  remabied  long  hi  force; 

4.  In  November,  1732,  one  hundred  and  thirteen  emigrants 
embaiM  for  Geo|vh^  at  the  head  of  whom  the  trustees  had 
placed  James  Oglethoipe,  a  sealous  and  aetive  promoter  of  this 
scheme  of  benevolence.  In  January^  thqr  aixlved  at  Ohiorleslon; 
and  the  Oarolhilaps.  sensible  of  the  advantage  of  hwrlag  a  bafrier 
between  them  and  the  southern  Indians,  gave  the  adventnren  a 
cordial  welcome,  They  supplied  them  wlln  provisions,  and  with 
boats  to  convi«y  them  to  the  phce  of  thefr  desthiatloB.  Tama^ 
craw  bhiff,  mfip  called  Savannah,  was  selected  as  the  moat 
eUfUbleplioe  for  a  settlement 

\  The  next  year,  five  or  six  hundrsd  poor  peitons  arrived, 
and^^each  a  nortion  of  the  wilderness  was  ssslmed.  But  it 
was  won  founathat  these  emigrants,  who  were  fhe  refose  of 
cities,  hid  been  rendered  poor  by  idlMieas,  and  hrresolttte  by 


GEOR&IA. 


100 


povevty,  were  not  fitted  to  M  the  migbty  groves  of  Geoigia.| 
A  nee  more  hudy  aa4'^))i>teifiinii9t^cV«s  necessary.  The^ 
trashes,  therefbi«,  offensH  fb  iHbcm,  wO,  sadi  as  had  not,  byi 
perseeirtion  or  poverty,  been  rendered  objects  of  cMnpasston"  \ 
and  to  grant  to  all,  fiiio  8liou]d,8etde||i  J^e  colony,  fifty  acres  oV  ^ 
land.  In  consequence  of  "wf^^^iii^  tMTV  than  four  hundred  per-  i 
sons,  firom  Germimr,  Scotland,  and  Switzerland*  arrived  in  the 
year  1786.    The  Qennans  se^ed  9t  Ebenefer,  the  Scotch  at 

^;  In  im,  J<^  Wi^ey,ii^tel^r«ted^  med^fdllilt,  flittde  a 
visit  id  Gei^gia,  for  ^  |)U]^om  bf  J^ii^htiig  to^  #»;  (s^flikists, 
and  converting  me  Indians,    ^^npt^  (li4  foim^^li^  nuyti  |oi»e 
proselylesi  Fillmore  enemies.    HeMibdiu^'tif  <ttv^^ 
p^ble  firbni  l^r>  o>f  fonien^  divisions,  ofcialikii^  sia^i^x- 
ereudnghigfi  and  unwarrant^  ecoiesi^tliBd  antlitffUg^."  1^ 
duct  tow^tM  njtece  ^P^e  pf  the^rilkajp^s^tdeihi  itmrli^^ 
i^eseiiiedti^nerifHends.  llditeenhidieGQiientflS^fpri^^^ 
were  fituniaga^te;  hui  befpre  the  ti^eof  t^,  hi  t^iisfnkA 
to  fingland,  and  Ibere,  t^  ihany  yeali,  pivu«ued  li  ai^ees^  and 
dlstfnnddiM  ciareer  of  ptetv  ^a^ 

7.  ISivp  fev^  a|^r#ards,  GMrae  'WfduMti^  soidther  and 
more  celeWted  ih^odist.  arrivcid  hi  th<B  tolony.  He  had  al- 
ready made  hhnself  conspicuous  in  England,  1^  his  ntiniei^bns 
eccentHclties,  his  anient  pie^,  hi0  extraordinary  elo<{uencfe,  his 
zeal  and  actitihr  in  prbpa^itii^  his  opinlone^  He  iiame  to 
CJeoigiaibr  (he  benevoleiit  purpose  of  estabiyiing  aiii  bf|>hati 
house,  where  noor  children  mignt  be  fe^,  clothed,  and  educated 
in  tibe  knowleoffe  of  Christianity.  In  prosecution  of  thUi  j^urpose, 
he  often  crossed  the  Atlantic,  and  traversed  Great  Br&fai  atkd 
America,  soUcitinff  aid  from  Qie  ptPus  and  charitable;  Wherever 
he  went,  he  prea^ied,  with  sihcerlty  and  fervor,  hk  (l^uliar 
dpctrines,  mal^  prpsdlytes  of  ntiost  whp  heard  hnh,  and  fbund- 
ing  a  sect  ^hidilias  since  becpihe  numerous  aiid  respectable. 
Hu  orplwn  heuse,  duHng  his  life,  did  npt  flourish,  and  sAer  his 
deathf  was  ente^  abi^idoned. 

8.  In  1740,  ^e  trustees  rendered  an  accbunt  of  their'  ad- 
ministration* At  th^t  tin^e,  two  thousand  fptir  hutt<ired  and 
ntnety-elght  emigrants  had  arrived  in  the  colony.  Of  these, 
fifteen  hundred  and  iwenty-one  iV6re  Indigent  £nglbhmen,  or 
persecuted  protestants.  The  benef&c^ons,  from  goverilmeni 
and  firom  hidividuals,  bad  bee  nearil^  half  a  million  of  doflars ; 
and  It  was  computed  that,  foi^  eveiy.  person  transported  ^ 
mabntabed  by  the  trustees,  more  than  three  hundM  doffiMipd 
been  amended.  7' 

9^  Ik  hope  Tvhlch  the  tttist^s  had  cherished,  thatihi  eoloiiy , 


osoi^ru. 


101 


pbnlidiat  floflii  vBit  sipeiui^  would  be  proapeimiiy  and  the  Qk* 
JmH  of  tfatiriwtepotonee  bam,  were  ooBpkleW  ditappointed. 
SacbwaadlodNfae^df  theghvater  pitft  of  Ibe  aettleny  and 
aucb  the  mtrklldne  impoiad,  that  tbe  phntiittewi  langqtihed 
and eontiiiiied  to  wqobe theeoatributiona  of  tbe cbantabSe. 

10.  ffarhafhMfbeaadedawdagah^a^8pab^B^^.Og^ett^olpe 
waamnoledttf&rankof  general  in  tbe  Britiah  armjr,  and  at 
tbe  bead  of  two  tbonaaad  men,  partly  from  Yiiglnia  and  tbe 
Caiolfana,  imdertook  an  expedkion  againat Flomla.  Hetook 
two  fl^enUi  ftito  and  besieged  St  Aiwoatine;  but  eaeoontarlng 
an  ebalbwte  leaiatatoee,  was  eomp^ed  to  ratnm  wnimcii  aaafid  to 
GeoiKlfc''^!!-^.r>- -.-' 

^,  11^  Two  jrean  afterwards  tbe  Spaniards,  in  retaliation,  pre- 
pared to  invade  Geotgiat  andlbevmtended,  ifauGoesB^mere, 
to  aal{iaMl0  tbe  Carblinas  and  virainia^  On  reeebdng  infer- 
matfon  Or  ^eir  annroaeh,  general  Odediorpe  aoHeited  aasiatance 
firom  Soittb  Oarouna.^  But  the  bdiabitants  of  tbat  colony,'  enter- 
taiidng  a  strong  preindice  against  liim,  in  eonseqoenee  of  his 
late  dtteat^  and  taniBed  by  im  danger  wbiob.  tfireataned  tbem^^ 
sefares,  detennined  to  provide  only  for  tbeir  own  safety. « 

.  12.  Meanwliae  fsneral  Oglethorpe  made  preparations  ibr  a 
vbporeaedefenee.  He  assembled  seven  hundred  men  «Bclnsive 
of  a  bodir  of  Indians,  fixed  his  bead  quailefa  at  iVederiea,  an 
tbe  island  of  St  Simon,  and  with  this  small  band,  determined  to 
enooutttar  whatever  force  migfat  be  brought  agafaiat  him.  It  was 
hia  utmost  hope  that  he  mi^t  be  able  to  reaist  tbe  enemy  until 
a  reinforcement  should  arrive  from  Carolina,  which  be  daily 
and  anxiously  expected. 

19,  Oftthelastof  June,  the  Spadsh  fleet,  consisting  of  tbiitj- 
two  sail,  and  baivinff  on  board  more  than  t.bree  thouaand  men^ 
came  to  anchor  m  St  Simonfs  bar.  Notwithshinding  all  tbe 
resistance  which  general  Oglethorpe  could  oppoae,  tb^  sailed 
up  the  river  Alatainaha,  landM  upon  the  island,  and  there  erected 
fortifications. 

14.  CSeneml  Oglethorpe,  oonvinced  that  his  small  force,  if 
divided,  must  be  entirely  inefficient,  assembled  the  whole  of  it 
at  Frederics.  One  portion  he  employed  in  strangtbenfaig  bli 
fortifications  I  the  Hiriilanden  and  Inmans,  ran|^ng  niriit  and 
day  through  the  weow,  often  attacked  the  out-pMts  of  me  ene- 
inr.  The  toil  of  the  troops  was  incessant ;  and  the  long  delay 
of  the  expected  succors,  so  cruelly  withheld  by  South  Cardiaa, 
caused  the  most  gloomv  and  depressing  apprehensions. 

16.  Leandng  thai  toe  Spanish  army  occupied  two  distinct 
positions,  Ojrieuiorpe  conceived  Uie  proieet  or  attacking  one  by 
surprise.    Be  selcftfd  the  bravest  of  his  little  army,  and  in  the 

I  « 


iwt 


6S08I3U. 


r^  iditfiAii^iiiflNljr  ai^bMffed,  to«ilhmtif«miIe9  of  die 
cfi^ifl||*lwiMiB«Mtt^«^fettil^  PilwUng  Miito^o^  to  hrilf 
ho  dMM,  H ^  li«il^  «  onHfil  bod^r  to  iseokaoitre  tliO 
oiMlff*  tltetiittirtiiqfloyodiaFi^  ooUM^ttf  hii  pwfyt 
firintfjllt  liMllEl^'^Mc^  Spoiihdnifcv  laHtanli^  ioilrtojr- 

tng  dl  h/ifem  foMi^  Oko  gonwrol  iiuaiwiiiiti^y.r  iwWfaied.  to 
Fvodorhsi.''  Ik^fMi  ii<ft  dnAfehaffrinodat^ili  oe^unawe,  bud 
^i^i«bibio#liiril^  fttsdoBiire  ^rliidlivtlie  dC" 

swn^  Would  dMlill«Miiiil:e  of  bii  iMr^alpsedi.  ^  w'-y 

%  !•»  IHtMiealbaraiiineatj  bo  deyiaodoneiqpodi<oi  wfaS9h  una 
«ltiwiodwlliithoiiiOit  ha|^  He  inrote  o  lili»p  to 

the  deserter,  instructing  boii  to  aoquaint  tlie  SpanieardB  filMk  IImI 
difignoeliM  Mote  of  Fraderie^,  to  uKge  them  to  attack  liji  plaice, 
aadif  1b6  eonldxiiot  ineceed,  to  persuade  tfaem  to  veoiiiB  ^kne 
dqwB  loyr  on  fee  irtand ;  forWitliin  that  titioey  accoidiiifito  late 
adnoiif  fltMlB  Cfdvliaaf  bo  sboiaki  reeoHre  a  fofaifinreODliiil  flf ^ro 
tbotMod nmtiai six  shipo of  war.-^^  Hife  caiilioaed^hiinj^ptgaiost 
dr^|iittt«ii^lUUkoftboottaok  meditotedf  bf  adnynd  Y«nwi^ 
uponf  St  AttgiMiiio,  ind  asittred  him  ttuit  t^  nelnrifd  for  his 
8erviceflydiOQ)d'''bo, amrie*  ■:,■■■  j^.::^^    ■  >yjH 

17«  Wot  a  snudi  bribe,  a  soldier  who  bod  been  imid0|^Hsoter 
in  (uMf  of  tbo  nuniel<ouB  skini^hes,  engaged  to  deliver  this  letter 
to  the  dsserter,  and  wis  then  set  at  lib^ly.  JU  wtui  fyc^Beetkf 
ho  oaitied  it  diitootlf  to  the  Spanish  general,  Who  immediately 
suspedted  tiio  deserter  to  be  a,  spf  Arom  the  Snglish  euniyand 
ordered  fafaiK  to  b^  put  in  irons;  But  although  bis  suspieionK 
Wffi  awafoned,  b0  was  yet  uncertain  whether  the  whole  miglit 
not  b«  a  stratagem  of  bis  antagonist, 

18^  While  bssitating  what  to  beUeve,  three  snkall  vessela  ot' 
war  apjpeared  off  the^coast  Supposing  the^  brought  the  rebi- 
fortdiiieiili  allttded  to  in  the  letter  to  the  deeerter* ,  bo  boiiti^ 
«« iMpr*  bi^  detemkimed  to  make  a  viaorous  attltoli  upon  the 
Sag^iS,  boforo  tfaeie  rebiforooments  etmd  arrive  and  be  brought 
into  wstton. 

li.  0iiHpHil  Ogietborpe,  by  meroaecidont,  obtafanod  informa- 
tion  of  Mr  des^  A  smaU  par^  was  instanthr  placed  in 
anliofwaiio,  tb»  Spaaltnls  adraneed  near  them»  balM  to  rest, 
Andliiil  aside  their  anni»  A  auddtn  and  woU  dfa^sctod  fire, 
killiag  imujt  throw  the  eneacnr  into  eonftpion.  After  a  few 
mor0  dteshoitM  tboy  %i  to  their  fortifloations,  wbiebthof  de- 
molMiod,  and,  hastily  .embarbiogi  made  every  possible  offort  to 
escape  (Wm  ^  mmntmnil^  that  istfo  supposed  to  be  ap- 

^  Tmui  vrao  Oeorgia»  witbtriiliiig  loss,  deliveiod  from  the 
vs^%  llMdneat  dannr.    QoniiVBl<)9Mh«rp«  not  ta^  retrieved^ 

St 


FRENCH  naSUOF  ^6^.^08. 


103 


for 


biitaudiBdIiliiMpiitelioii.    Fnwi  tiw  €wolin^H%  gratefal 

eotoiUd^  lie  rbc«i^  ^oiiia^^Ta^itMiikim  imim  Us  fddresa 
and  good  IbMittt*^  Atid  lO  i«ofii&ll  w«e  vm  midardb  a^  Ibe 
reftdtt  of  Ae  (uq«diC^i  tlwl  the  ^»iiim<idin  ooubia  MtQfn,  walk 
aiteated^tHedfittdetthidvedibriBiK^^  ?: 

21.  But  the  OToeperity  of  tiiie  col6iv|r  ;#m  retarded  by  these 
distoiiMBeeii-  Fov  tin  years  longer,  >  it  wamSmdL  vamr .  the 
inanig#iM)|titef  the  tVMStees,  who,  enlmmiasiBg  it  hf  tbft  mnch 
i«gidill6Ai  <Hi9<nGraged  th^  emipmpftiiiid  ehteked  iferipi^QWtb. 
At  lei^tt^dliiippofailed  hi  their  h^0B,aald  wearied  Hf  itomMat$, 
thejistiirriitfdefjdlheirehaiterto  |h»?^h>wti;  and,  in  17^)  » 
royal  gtHvenunent  was  established  over  the  eelonj,: '  ;- 

32.  N6# i^sguiatinns htringedoptedj  Qem^begtt^d^Sl^ 
Ampng^h^rgovetiMtfs,  Jainas  Wii^dosenNp  hon<Hraibta)  QoUee 
for  hi^  wisdtini  jte  discemfaig,  and  ms  flealrln  parsning,  hm  true 
intereils.  1%<  coKfra^on  of  yioe  and  indigo  Was  proseeuted 
with  augmented  uidustry,  sldU,  and  pn^;  ind  In  evei^  sucjceedt 
ingyear, an  UKsrtesed  amount  ot tlwse sttote. eommodiiles  was 
exported  to  tiie  mother  country.  The  Florida  Indi(qB»  wer« 
4<nnethnes  tr^uUesome,' Imt  wcve  as  often  dbastlsed  And  com-* 
pelled  to  8U0  for  peaee.  ,^ 


CHAPTER  XIV 

FRENCH  WAR  OP  1766^. 


THE  treaty  of  Aix  la  Chapelle  eonduded  hi  1748,  betweeu 
England  and  Franee,  restoled  tranquillity  to  America.  At  this 
peribd,  th^  number  of  inhabitanti  m  the  thirteen  colonies  was 
about  one  mffllon  one  hundred  thousand.  The  English  set- 
tlements had  not  advaneed  far  into  the  wHdemsifi.  but  extended 
along  the  ocean  firom  New-FouwUand  to  Florida.  Those  of 
the  French,  atttie  north,  rsaohed  firdm  the  mouth  (»f  tbe  St. 
Lawrence  to  Montreal;  and  they  had  built  Ibrti  and  trading 
douses  on  U^  Ontario,  At  the  south,  they  had  slaiied  New- 
Orieuis,  and  Irnvhigdisoovered  the rhrerKMsstopli  they  claimed 
the  fertile  and  deUghtAil  villey  throng  trUoh  it  runs,  and  the 
wholt  countiy  water«d  by  iti.  tribmtnry  itreaAMk 


IH 


FaENCH  WAa  OF  17M-^«. 


1764, 


BWttiiMM  iBttJCMli  hy  '^  ahain;  of  pjgii  wlfJiMr  dkMff  ^e 
firoiiillMor  tilt  £iidWH  Aioq|^U[i^^0i«D4^  «ld 

doim  tJMH  ttfn>  aigl  tto  1it<iilMi|iritomw.»0ii^i|il<.  Wllile 
thty  wnn  iBiii>«i  Aitpwitit, »  co«y»i^  of  EmBi^  faiii% 
having  obliiliMd  frottlliiltemgn^ 

hOMM  dB  ilM  iHMki  of  tlM  iJilo. 

8.  TU FMndiMfaMl mnm  of  ihoM  tndtn  aiid  eoii«iegr«d 
Uiem  priMwn  to  fimiii  Tbe  eonqjw^jr  cowpliifawi,  to 
goranor]DiB«viddi%ofyii|iaik  TholaiidliiviQgbMngiiintM 
M  a  poit  of  HMk  eolMj,  Jm  limwriiiliiiiii  ilo  fend,  a  ^^«ifir  to 
the  oflwiwiMMMir  of  ilia  FniMh  fivoaoiHi^  tha  Ohio,  a**.!  Mfiiire 
him  to  withdraw  Uii  troopa.  For  this  jniwJow  j|»  JoiMltd 
Gabifa  Wariifaurtoii^  who  waa  theaVwMlj-oiM  yaani  of  agetand 
who  aftarwaidf  MeauM  iiliutrioiMi  hi  the  Miiala  of  hia  oonotij. 

4.  To  tha  btlar  of  Dfaiwhkya*  the  Ffeaeh  oonmindor  i«fUad, 
thit  ha  ha^  taken  poneeiioii  o^  tha  eoualrf  hp  fwimaipe.  of 
dbaetioni  flmn  hie  ganiivl,  then  iai  Gaoada,  to  whom  ha  would 
tmnemlt  (ha  letter,  a^d.ffhoea  ovdera  he  ehould  hnpUoldf  obey. 
Thie  repl^  not  bdng  eathAotoiy-to  t^  govonor,  prepwatiom 
were  made  hi  Tinriikia,  to  mahitain  by  foree  tiie  ngfata  of  the 
British  orown.  Troope,  eonstitttting  a  regimenl.  ware  raised, 
the  command  of  whom,  on  the  death  of  the  colonel  nnt  appointed, 
waa  given  to  Bir.  Washington. 

""  6.  At  the  head  of  about  (bnp  Jmndred  men,  he  advanced, 
oarty  in  the  spring,  into  the  territonr  in  dispute.  On  his  route, 
he  met,  attaond,  and  defeated,  a  French  party  under  the  oom- 
mand  of  one  DqonvUle,  #ho  approached  mm  in  a  manner  in- 
dicatfaig  hoatile  httontions.  He  proceeded  towards  fort  Du 
Quesne,  situated  at  the  junction  of  th^  Allegany  and  Monongahela. 
From  this  Ibst,  Da  TBUeri  at  the  head  of  nine  h«|Kh«d  men, 
marched  out  to  attaek  bhn. 

6.  Hearing  of  the  approach  of  this  party,  ooVonel  Washington 
hailed,  and  hastily  waetod  aomo  fanperfect  works,  by  meana  of 
which  he  hoped  to  protong  hia  defence  until  the  arrhral  of  rein-* 
forcemants.  Ha  waa  doeehr  beaieaad  by  De  Villiar,  but  mekfaig 
an  obartnate  defence,  was  oilbad  the  most  honorable  terms  of 
capltolatlon.  These  ha  aceapted,  and  vatumed  with  hk  regiment 
to  YirRfaifau 

7.  ui  this  year,  delegKaa  Aram  seven  of  tha  colonies  mot  at 
Albany,  for  the  puipoee  of  holdhig  a  conference  with  tha  Six 
Nations  of  Indians.  This  hnaJases  being  finished,  not  '  ~ 
(Ion  of  the  colonlee  waa  piopeaed  by  tbe  delegstes  fnifi 
ohnsetts.  A  *<  Flan  of  UnioA**  waa  agreed  upon,  to  bfi 
to  the  colonial  leglslaturas,  aad  to  parUanMHt,  for  Iheiri 


Wlltte 
dtnMHng 

Bon««gr«d 
UlnBd  to 
I  glinted 

wifir  to 
I  imiire 

oonotiy. 

NUMiM.  of 
tio  would 
idjoboy. 
ipimfcloiii 
iti  of  tbe 
ro  rtised, 
ppolnted, 

tdvonced, 
lis  roote, 
thooom- 
innor  in- 
fort  Du 
Hwahela. 
M  noil, 


1785;] 


fRENCH  WiAJt  OF  1786--4S. 


105 


lii9t  at 

Itbo  Six 


x;8.  ISiIaplin  fferoHAidlliifc  fUepla.,  lo^  %.GmmMkmdl 
sboiild  be  cMMte%  .l|be  i^iiwiBftOliii  oC  ilio  ^4Qpli»  ift  ll» 
rntniHil  •'*f«%'lTP/— r*  tfiat  ■  |Miiiiiioiiliin>iiiril  i^MwMt  liii  gq^ 
pointad  bjr  llus  o#o«mt  1?M<i  oounwNwilo  yin»ii  ft»  control 
of  thenllUtoiy  ibr0  «^ttw  coiiiiiMxytii^liw  feoprvto  ootfoert 
all  mmmam  ftir  the  OomaMNi  prolMtaai  ^«m|  aafcljr.    Tbo 


pwaidantiiigtBBiil  was  to  havO  o  nogttlpo  upon  tbe  prooeediiigs 
oftfao'dali^alssi^'' T^  >'.'.'  :^-  .m...ti.. 

Of  ^QiisBlon  wai  njdeflM  poiliatiienly  boeaaso  Uie  4bIo- 
MiB,#no  Mbo  ol^osea  b^  tao  reprsseailatfaros  of  tho  psople. 
It  was  fijactdl  bj  tho  colottlsa,  boclulM  It  placed  too  mucli  power 
ia  the  Innda  of  the  Mas.  la  £ii|^aiBdr  apprehensloBs  weie  al- 
i^eady  inlertyiied  of  mi  growing  impoirtaiiee.of  tho  colonial 
aowwbttest  lBAiiirica»tliepeo^be«n,periiapsutroasfliotia|g| 
to  be  lelQated  jb}!  tbe  nlrlt  of  ladepetfenoi.  - 

10.  Ilie  oonaiet  of  tbe  Freneb,  oa  tike  Ohio,  eoBTiaoed  1I10 
cabbMt  of  Loadoa  that  theta'  oMm  to  the  ooiuitfy,  (liroiiflii 
\^biob  tbot  river  floWs,  must  be  renamihbedy  or  mafaitained  by 
tbe  iWont  They  did  not  hesitate  whieh  aMeraattve  to  ehoose. 
Eariy  hi  the  sprli^  of  1T60,  they  despelehed  general  Braddodc 
to  Aiaericfb  with  a  raspeetald4foree>  to«ipel  the  Freadh,  aad 
IceeB  poasiailoii  of  the  territory.  And  propandons  having  been 
male  by  ffnoM  to  despatch  a  reinfareeniint  to  her  ataues  in 
Caaada,  aihniral  Boseawea  was  ordered  toendeairor  toiateroept 
the  Freiieh  fleet  before  it  sboold  enter  the  gulf  of  fift.  Lawmnoe. 

11.  In  Aoril,  jgsiieral  Braddoek  atet  ttia  governors  of  the 
several  prannees,  to  confer  upon  the  pkn  of  me  eusahig  cam- 
paign. Three  expeditions  were  resolved  upon :  one  against  Du 
QuesnOy  to  be  eomaiaaded  by  general  Br>ddecik»  one  agalns' 
forts  Niagara  and  Fronthiae,  to  be  oooNiiaBded  by .  fovemor 
SbMey  t  and  one  iff^net  Crown  Poiait,  to  be  commanded  by 
ffenen4  Johnson.  The  last  mentioned  pest  was  the  nearest  to 
New  ^iwlaad  of  any  hi  the  possession  of  the  eneuHr ;  and  flrom 
itahholl^  the  Indian  par^^s,  which  had,  hi  the  kte  wars,  so 
onieny  Haiaaiid  the  no#iM|  colonies,  were  despatched  and 
supported.  The  expeditioa  agaliMt  it  was  proposed  and  urged 
by  MassachntJtIs,  and  was  to  ae  executed  by  colonial  troops, 
raised  in  New*Bngland  aad  New-York. 

18.  While  praparatlons  were  makbg  for  thfse  ex|ieditioasy 
sMther,  whioh  had  been  previoasly  eoncflrled,  was  carried  on 
nmfaiil  iM  Freaeh  forces  la  Nova  Scotia.  This  provfaice  was 
settled IMT *i JVench,  bat  was  ceded  lathe  Bnglish  by  ^ 
traMf  dr  ttiweht.  Its  bouadarles  not  havfaig  been  defined,  «Mi 
FroM  oontfamed  to  oeeuqr  a  poitloa  of  the  territory  cUhned 


m 


nSMGH  fPA&  OF  ^6&<«^. 


iNiA^lMI'JbRt  ^MT'wMr' MRpbMi   Togtin 
pBmmkimWlimit  ^m  <iw  itto  of  the  •tftimm, 

la  ilbimt  t«m  ItMHiii  tei|iH%  eouuDiaiill  bf  OtHmiA 
1!V|iiriiMrfill»b«rlMir«llortiNik^aullN^ 
hf^kmMmOni  v^julmi  «nlrl4»  Ib  April,  at  Ike  ftaM  of 
tfaiinrtii»  Tht lbl>:9iiti»l&vcrtii;  the  mmUmibc  aiiii  wm 
MMlf  ibdIiMiMMwi ;  MMll*  a  iho«t  ttmo  the  SngUrif  fyatd 
entire  MMearion  of  Hm  provinee,  iboonlfaig  to  their  vtmAtil^ 
^kmwm bowdhiriei>    Three onlf of thejrmeii were IdJedL 

14.  The  BTMereilHw  Of  OeneNl  Bradkto^ 
proeeeded  deivlib  It  hei  been  ifauMi  eifereinely  SMnk  to 
wodMeheieee^iwnypi.eiiiproineioiia.  bepetieBt  of  dele/ ,  he 
detemieed  to  eet  out  with  twelve  hnndred  nen,  eeleeled  from 
thediAriwiteorpe,iBdto  prooeed^ae  repUUjr  eipMaib|e,towprdi 
fort  Dtt  <)ueBiie.  The  NMdiie  of  te  enw,  end  the  heegry  bag^ 
n^'Were  left  uiider  the  eovwneiid  of  Cioi.  DivdMr,  i«lio  wee 
dinoled'toiblleweieootteelhe  preperettena  were  eeupkCed. 
.  lA.  BmddoekhiidhaeBedMaledli  theJSngUih  emy;  and 
in  the  ieieaoe  of  wa^  eethee  taMgfat  fai  Eurojpe.  be  deeerved  and 
e^jeytdth^repiilalieaoraMirettonordinaiTdcilL  Ofthiare- 
piUoB  he  wee  ?ab^  and^Uadained  to  oonelder  that  hie  aUII  wee 
totally  InmUeahle  to  the  mode  of  warfture  praettaed  In  the 
fbreUe  of  Ameriea.  Before  he  left  England,  he  wee  repeetodhr 
admoniihed  to  beware  of  eeurpriae;  and  on  hie  march  through 
the  wiidetnen,  the  pwrinehd  effioen  frequently  enHnatod  hfin 
toeeoortheaiHrvowiSdtogthfebete.  But  he  held  theee  offieenr 
and  the  eaamjr  hilbo  nwoh  contempt  to  lipttn  to  tfaie  aahitaiy 
CMMtoiel. 

!•.  On  approeehhw  fort  Du  Queene,  OoL  Weahington,  who 
aeeompailed  hhn  ae  hiB  aki,  made  a  laet  attempt  to  induoe  him 
td  ehaMe  hie  order  of  mareh.  He  exptefaied  the  Indian  mode 
ofwaiwret  repreeeatod  hie  danger ;  andoflbred  to  take  eom^ 
mend  of  the  provioetele  and  plaee  himaelf  hi  edvanee  of  the 
am/.'  Thh eibr w»i deelfawd  The mneral praoeeded, con- 
fident of  the  proprle^  of  hie  conduct  i  the  provmchJa  followed, 
trembUug  for  the  eeneegueneee. 

17.  Onthenbilhof  Jiil?.theermxoroMedthelionongaheIe, 
within  a  few  milee  of  Dv  Qaeane.  Their  route  M  through  t 
defile,  whl«h  thejr  hid  neaify  peaied,  when  a  tnmendeoi  jrfll 
and  teitantaneouB  dtochaive  of  fire  anna  auddenlybunit  upon  Ihein 
from  an  hiHrfble  foe.  The  van  waa  thiown  Into  cc»foifoB. 
The geuarel led  the mein bodj to  ili iupport.    Fore  mofnonl, 

order  waa  reatored,  and  a  riMTt  eeaiaftion  of  the  e^aa^  fir<^  g9* 
caalened  bj  the  deeth  of  thehr  eomipfadHr,  letnid  .to  hwlpta 
that  all  danger  waa  ofWt 


itas J]       iHEUcH  w.  ^  <hrihii(»^^. 


tm 


18.  But  the  tttifik  wif  foon  fMMPad  ivittli  inertMfd  Any. 
Co»0tiilA|  bdbM  trifkloa,  tad  to(ii^  AklalkBiMiarad  apoii 
tlMtroo|pi«de^f  iiidlDeMNttfc^i^  4)9^  m  Atnt  Ml 
thiekfy  iioiind,  Mid  11)8  ioiitMtf  idMir  iibl  1^^ 
aim  to  revenge  tfaeltllMic^hlHWd  iMmniilM.  The  wiMe  In% 
wii  iigeiii  thraini  Itt^i  eeafoiloii.  Tto  giiieni,  qbiltoale  and 
eoiinifeeiie,ief«ied  to  fetieat^Wbeaf  UeiHMleeilnli  toiipiion 
and  QMtotdbi  dftter.  He  peniatod  In  tfaiie  eAvM^  until  iH% 
hoteea  lied  been  allot  iiHider  liim,  and  eveiy  one  of  )ili  offlee^ 
horNbiok,  ezeept  eolnnel  Waahingtoo,  wm  eHher  kBbd  or 
wounded. 

"19.  lite  senetid  at  length  fdljudtlie  rant  tieeame  universal. 
The  trooM  fled  jpreetottatoljr  iinnl  thif  met  the  divialea  under 
Ounber,  nen  alK^nulea  fai  ^e  tfeer.  To  thia  iMdjr  the  aame 
paiitc  wea  eommittilcatBd.  ISuming  riionl,  Hntj  fled  with  the 
rest,  and  although  no  enemy  had  bm  aeen  det&g  the  eagase- 
ment,  nor  afterwarda.  yet  the  army  eontiiined  retreating  cntU  H 
reidhed  fort  Cumbenahd,  one  hundred  and  ttven^  mlM  itom 
the  nlaee  of  aetion.  There  they  remafaMid  Mil  a  ahoit  time. 
With  the  remnant  of  the  armyt  amom|tin|  to  fifteen  hundred 
men,  eolpnel  Dnnhar,  upon  whom,  on  the  mh  of  Breddoek, 
the  eommand  devolved,  marehed  to  PhBedriphle,  lewrlng  the 
flrontJera  of  Penniylvania  and  Vif|;inla  duatHute  of  defence. 

|0.  llie  provincial  troone,  wttom  Breddoek  hed  ao  much 
deipiaed,  diiplayed,  during  tne  beltle,  flie  utmoet  oahnnem  and 
couraie.  TliMgh  placed  in  the  rear,  iStnty  akme,  led  on  hy 
Waabiiiston,  advanced  againat  the  Indlane  and  cov«red  the  re^ 
treet  Hed  they  been  permitted  to  fight  faithefar  own  way,  they 
could  eaaily  have  defeated  the  enemv.  In  Ihli  battle,  alzty-four. 
out  of  eighty-five  officers,  were  eltner  Ulkd  or  wounded,  and 
at  least  bne  half  of  the  privatea. 

ai.  Tho  two  northern  expeditions,  dMMlg^  not  80  dlseetroof, 
were  both  unsnocesaAd.  General  Snii^ey,  who  had  been  ap» 
pointed  to  command  that  against  Niagara,  met  with  so  many 
delara  that  he  did  not  reach  Oswega  until  lato  fai  August. 
While  embarking  there  to  proceed  agamat  Niagara,  the  autumnal 
rahis  bMan,  hki  troops  became  discouraged,  his  Indlen  alllea 
deserted  hhn.  and  he  was  compelled  to  reSnqulsh  his  demgn. 

it.  The  ferces  destbed  to  attack  Crown  Point,  and  tlie  ra* 
miiaito  oiilitary  storae,  could  not  be  coUedad  at  Albany  anHI  the 
net  of  Aagust  Thence  the  army,  onder  the  conunand  of 
m«ral  Johnaon,  nroeeeded  to  the  aoath  and  of  lake  George,  on 
ttialr  way  to  the  plaee  of  desthiation.  There  he  leemed,  that 
tba  MMMH,  iltad  oat  Ift  the  porta  ef  France,  eluding  the 


106 


BiMltauL 


^,    r  .  ^    ^j^.  M  W^  Wwwf  with 

1^  iiftopiBt,  be 


COBOftiil 

La  Him  H'  mvp^iw  %• 


viuiicad  initt  t&ft  m 

Their l|Mul«r Ml,  and  ^ncnlMl,  in iiiopd^r,  to  (£e  fpiiip. 

j^.  TW  Wif9  lb)|o«^ doM|r  bjr  tjhe  foimggf^iiijio  ifyrnibtied 
wltt^  ope>ui4nid  ind  6%  ||i|df  «f ihii  tf^t-w^k :  avd,  bM 
thqr  msmle  j|fl  hniftwliil^^  wmm^  wpvfA  praMljr*  bv<!I^  wm  the 
iNil4e  of  Um  XUii^iili.  l^iii»  bm  muH^Mifiil*  But  b«^  tbey 
Ildtadi  tQ  npijliA  4^iKNJ|iopi  Ibr  «  miljMr  ilMs*  t1|<i  Ind^ns 
ninjl  'iffiii»a«iu«ii  «Mm  daRMtclkMl  to  UA  fliuikf*  ii¥f  tho  rettular 
trooptbogpii^Mimlt  iifti^  plijb^it  tke  contte. 

Thelrflre  WM  iipdll^ebiily  and  tht  provii«Biida  pi^vntSij  renimed 

25.  A  nw  dlMlipffPi  Q^  <h«  artiUarjr  drovo  tfit  C^awdiiuu  and 
lodiaiM  to  the  nrmifk  thit  regu]ar9»  altbouglbdeiartiMi  bythe 
auxlUariM,  milnlaindq  tto  eonfliet,  for  more  tban  ^  l^vitt  wHh 
much  eteedlipefi  ffid  iMolutloQ.  0ie|kiiiu,  tionvt^eeijl  tbat  all 
bie  vftqiti  muit  bt  vamnXOfi^i  tb«n  gave  orden  to  nUtuL  This 
produced  some  ooiiftMiiQii,  wbieb,  bebig  perceiyed   by   the 

Erovinolali,  tbagr  aimultaiieottiljr,  and  wMio«|t  orden  or  opnoert, 
»iped  over  the  tntreaehinenti,  fell  upon  the  French  aoIdlerB, 
ana  killed,  ceptored,  |ir  dliparwd  tbtm.  The' baron  was 
wounded  and  oMlde  priidn«r* 

36.  Th«»  next  day,  colonel  Blanehird*  wbo^eommi^ided  at  fort 
Edward)  despet^ied  captabi  Folaoni,  ofNew-Heinpihire,  with 
two  hiuylred  men,  to  mi  fieiitance  of  senertl  Jonneon.  On 
hii  way,  hediaoovm^  Ijiiiifeen  three  and  (our  hundred  of  the 
enemy  seated  arouno  «  pc^nd,  not  for  firom  the  place  where 
colonel  WlUiamabad  beeb  defeated.  NotwlthBtandbi|  hb  fai- 
ferlority  In  nuH^Mrs,  be  determined  to  attaob  tbem.  So  Impe- 
tuous wii  the  eneet,  thet,  after  a  sharp  conflict,  the  enemy  ned. 
In  the  eeveral  eng^gementf,  the  provbohdplQet  about  twohuadred 


men 


tnj  the  enemy  umraids  of  seven  hundred. 

ST.  General  Jqdbsob,  thou^  strongly  fanportuned  by  the 
government  of  HasBBcbusetts.  refosed  to  prooeed  upon  hii  ex- 
pedition, which  was  alifmilonM,  and  meet  of  bistro^  returned 
to  their  raqpectlvt  colonies.  Tbui  iodtd  the  oamp^ugii  of  1766# 


1756.] 


FUEKOir  WAR  01^  1766^:^. 


lod 


It  opened  wiA  the  brigfateit  jpreepectSi  famaense  prepwations 
had  been  made,  yet  not  one  oTthe  objeoti  of  the  tfane  graat  ex- 
peditiona  had ^n  attained. 

28.  During  the  fall  tod  wfattor,  (he  adothcni  cdlonleB  were 
ravdffed^  and  the  usual  balliarlties  perpetrated  upon  the  fron^er 
inhftDitants,  by  tfie  iwvages,  who,  on  the  defeat  of  Braddodc,  and 
the  rettttat  of  his  army,  skvr  nothing  to  restrain  tfiefar  ftirjr.  In 
Tirginia  and  Pennsylvania,  disputes  existed  between  the  govern- 
ors Dod  legislatures,  which  prevented  all  atiendon  to  the  means 
of  defeuce.  Scarcely  a  post  was  maintained,  ol*  a  soldier  em- 
ployed in  theu"  service. 

29.  The  colonies,  far  from  being  discouraged  by  the  misfor- 
tunes of  the  last  campidffn,  determbied  to  renew  and  increase 
their  exertions;  Cfeneral  Shirley,  to  whom  tiljie  superintendence 
of  all  the  military  operations  had  been  confided,  assembled  a 
council  of  war  at  New- York,  to  concert  a  plan  for  the  ensuing 
year.  He  proposed  that  expeditions  should  be  carried  on  against 
Du  Quesne,  Niagara,  and  Crown  Point,  and  that  a  body  of 
troops  should  be  sent,  by  the  way  of  the  rivers  Kennebec  and 
Chaudiere,  to  alarm  the  French  for  the  safety  of  Quebec.  This 
plan  was  unanimously  adopted  by  the  council. 

80.  Shirley,  on  the  last  of  January,  returned  to  Boston,  to 
meet  the  assembly  of  Massachusetts,  of  which  colony  he.  was 
governor.  He  endeavored  to  persuade  them  to  concur  in  Uie 
measures  proposed ;  but,  disgusted  with  the  proceedings  of  the 
last  campaign,  and  especially  at  general  Johnson's  neglecting  to 
(Hirsue  his  advantages,  they  were  unwilling  to  engage  hi  omn- 
Mive  operations)  unless  the  command  of  their  forces  should  be 
given  to  general  WIubIow,  who  had  acquired  popularity  by  his 
success  in  Nova-Scotia.  Their  wishes  ware  complied  with) 
and  their  concurrence  was  then  granted. 

81.  In  April,  news  arrived  from  Oraat  Briiab,  that  the  eon- 
duct  of  general  Johnson,  instead  of  being  censured,  was  consi* 
dered  highly  meritorious ;  tliat,  as  a  reni-ard  for  hit  suoceaa,  the 
king  had  conferred  upon  him  the  title  of  baronet,  and  parilament 
a  grant  of  five  t!K>u«Rnd  pounds  sterling ;  that  hii  mi\jeity  dla- 
approved  of  |he  conduct  of  Shirley,  and  had  determiiied  to  re- 
move him  from  command. 

82.  This  information  not  being  official,  general  flbkiey  con- 
tinued his  preparations  with  his  usual  activity  and  leal.  WhUe 
engamd  in  collecting,  at  Albany,  the  troops  fl*om  the  diflerent 
cofomea,  general  Webb  brought  ilrom  England  offlolal  informa- 
tion of  his  removal.  On  the  26th  of  Juno,  gonoral  Aberorom- 
hie  arrived,  and  took  command  of  the  army.  It  now  consisted 
of  about  tweh'o  thousand  men,  and  was  more  numerous  and  bet- 


no 


EHENOH  Wm  OF  1756-68. 


[1766. 


tor  prepuwd  for  Ili«  field  thim  any  wmy  thtt  had  ever  been.as- 
semVlad  m  JUiierioa* 

88.  Singular  as  it  may  appear,  whfle  thie  Bangniaaiy  war  ra^ 
ged  In  JUncvka,  the  Inlmsdurse  between  the  two  natione  in  £u- 
rope»  not  only  oontinued  uninterrupted,  but  aeeniedmore  than 
usually  frienctty.  *  This  unnatural  st^te  of  things  could  not  long 
continue.  Great  Britain  deelared  war  in  May,  and  FttioM  fai 
June. 

84.  The  change  pf  commanders  delmred  the  ojjeratiotis  of  the 
English  army.  The  French  were  aotiVe ;  and  on  the  12th  of 
July,  general  Abercrombie  received  intelligenciB  that  they  medi- 
tated an  attack  upon  Oswego,  a  post  of  the  utmost  fanportanee. 
General  Webb  was  ordered  to  prepare  tQ  march  with  a  regiment 
for  the  defence  of  Uial  place.  In  the  mean  time,  Lord  Loudon, 
who  had  been  appointed  commander-in-diief  over  all  the  Bri- 
tish forces  in  the  colonies,  arrived  in  America. 

85.  Aihidst  the  cerwKmies  which  followed,  the  afiairs  of  the 
war  were  forgotten.  General  Webb  did  not  beghi  his  march 
until  the  12th  of  August.  Before  he  had  proceeded  far,  he 
learned:  that  Oswego  was  actually  besieged  by  a  large  army  of 
French  and  Indians.  Alarmed  for  his  own  safety,  he  proceed- 
ed no  farther,  but  employed  his  troops  in  erecting  fortifications 
for  their  defence. 

86.  General  Montcalm,  the  commander  of  the  French  troops 
in  Canada,  began  the  siege  of  Oswego  on  the  12th  of  August. 
On  the  1<^,  ttte  English  conunander  having  been  IdUed,  terms 
of  surrender  were  proposed  by  the  garrison,  and  were  agreed  to. 
These  terms  were  shamefully  violated.  Several  of  the  British 
officers  and  soldiers  were  insulted,  robbed,  and  massacred  by  the 
Indians.  Most  of  the  sick  were  scalped  in  the  hospitals,  and 
the  French  ffeneral  delivered  twenty  of  the  garrison  to  the  sa- 
vages, that  being  the  number  they  had  lost  during  the  siege. 
Those  unhappy  wretches  weve,  doubtless,  according  to  the  In* 
dian  custom,  tortured  and  burnt 

87.  General  Webb  was  permitted  to  retreat,  unmolested,  to 
Albany.  Lord  Loudon  pretended  it  was  now  too  late  hi  the 
season  to  attempt  any  thhw  farther,  though  the  troops  under  ge- 
neral Winsiow  were  within  a  few  days  march  of  Ticonderoga 
and  Crown  Point,  and  were  sufficient  in  number  to  justify  an  at- 
tadc  upon  those  places.  He  devoted  the  remahider  of  Uie  sea- 
son to  maUng  preparatiooi  for  an  early  and  vigorous  campaign 
the  ensuing  year. 

88.  Th(i  soring  had  opened  with  still  mora  brilliant  pros' 
pacts  than  the  last ;  and  the  season  closed  without  the  oocunreBoa 
of  a  single  event  that  was  honourable  to  the  British  arms,  or  ad* 


1757.] 


FRENCH  WAR  OF  1766-68. 


in 


vant^geous  to  ^  colonies.  This  want  of  success  Was  justly  at- 
tributed to  tliie  removal  of  the  provincial  ofBcers,  who  wey«  wdl 
acquainted  with  the  tlieatre  of  operationBy  but  whom  the  midJs- 
trjf  de«faro)ia  of  clieeking  the  growth  of  taltots^  in  the  colonies, 
were  unwUIiiog  to  enij^loy.  xet  the  several  assemblies,  though 
thcgr  saw  themselves  thus  slighted,  and  their- Hiohey  anaiuwy 
Squandered,  made  all  the  preparations  that  were  required  of  them 
for  the  Uext  campaign. 

39.  Ttke  reduction  of  Louisburdi  was  the  object  to  whicfe  the 
ministry  directed  the  attention  of  Lord  Lbudon.  In  the  spring 
of  1767,  he  sailed  ft^m  New-Tork,  with  6000  men,  and,  M  Ha^ 
lifax,  met  admiral  Holbourn,  with  transports  containing  an 
equal  number  of  troops,  and  a  naval  force  consisting  of  fifteen 
slups  of  the  line.  When  about  to  proceed  to  their  pwce  of  des- 
tination, intelligence  arrived  that  the  garrison  at  LoUifriburgh  had 
received  a  large  reinforcement,  and  expected  and  desired  a  visit 
from  the  En^ish.  Disheartened  by  this  intelligence,  the  gene- 
ral and  admiral  abandoned  the  expedition. 

40.  While  the  English  commanders  were  thus  irresolute  and 
idle,  the  French  were  enterprising  and  active.  Iik  March,  ge- 
neral M ontealm  made  an  attempt  to  surprise  fort  William  Hra- 
ry,  at  the  south  eud  of  lalce  George,  but  was  defeated  by  the  vi- 

filance  and  bravery  of  the  garrison.  He  returned  to  Crown 
'oint,  leaving  a  party  of  troops  at  Ticonderoga.  AgiJnst  this 
post,  near  four  hundred  men  were  sent  from  the  fort,  under  the 
command  of  colonel  Parker. 

41.  The  colonel  was  deceived  in  his  intelhgence,  decoyed  in- 
to an  ambuscade,  and  attacked  with  such  fury,  that  but  two  offi- 
cers and  seventy  privates  escaped.  Encouraged  by  this  success, 
Montcalm  determined  to  return  and  besiege  fort  William  Hon- 
ry.  For  this  purpose,  he  assembled  an  army,  consisting  of  re- 
gular troops,  Canadiaua  and  Indians,  and  amounting  to  near  ton 
thousand  men. 

42.  M^jor  Putnam,  a  brave  and  active  partisan,  obtained  In- 
formation of  the  purposes  of  Montotdm,  which  he  communicated 
to  gisneral  Webb,  who,  in  the  absence  of  lord  Loudon,  com- 
manded the  British  troops  in  that  quarter.  The  general  enjoin- 
ed silence  upon  Putnam,  and  adopted  no  other  measure,  on  re- 
ceiving tiie  intelligence,  than  sendbg  colonel  Monro  to  take 
command  of  the  fort. 

48.  The  day  after  this  officer,  ignorant  of  what  was  to  hap- 

Een,  had  arrived  at  his  post,  the  lake  appeared  covered  witii 
oats,  which  swiftly  approached  the  shore.     Montcalm,  with 
but  ilttie  opposition,  enected  a  landing,  and  Immediately  began 


il2 


FRENCH  WAE  OF  1756-63. 


[1757. 


the  siege.  The  garrisony  consisting  of  two  thousand  five  hun- 
dred men,  anigfiated  by  the  expectation  of  relief,  made  a  gdlant 
defence. 

44*  General  Webb  had  an  lamy  at  fort  Edward,  of  m/oine  than 
four  thojuand  men,  and  it  was  ili  his  power  to  caU  hi  a  lai^ 
number  of  proyincial  troops  froip  New-Yoric  and  New«  England. 
To  him  colimel  Monro  sent  repeated  and  pressing  solicttatlons 
for  immediate  succor.  These  he  dtsreearded,  seeming  entirely 
indifferent  to  the  distressing  situation  of  nis  fellow  soldiers. 

45.  At  length,  on  the  ninth  day  of  the  siege,  in  compliance 
with  the  entreaties  of  the  friend&of  Monro,  general  Webb  de- 
spatched sir  William  Johnson,  with  a  body  of  men,  to  his  relief. 
They  had  not  proceeded  three  miles,  when  the  order  was  coun- 
termanded. Webb  then  wrote  to  Monro  that  he  could  afford 
him  no  assistance,  and  advised  turn  to  surrender  on  the  best 
terms  tliat  he  coidd  obtain. 

46.  This  letter  was  intercepted  by  Montcalm,  who,  in  a  con- 
ference which  he  procured,  handed  it  himself  to  the  commander 
of  the  fort.  All  hope  of  relief  being  extinguished,  articles  of 
capitulation  were  ag^ed  to.  In  these  it  was  expressly  stipula- 
ted, by  Montcftlm,  that  the  prisoners  should  be  protected  from 
the  savages,  by  a  guard,  and  that  the  sick  and  wounded  should 
be  treat^  with  humanity. 

47.  But  the  n^xt  morning,  a  great  number  of  Indians,  having 
been  permitted  to  enter  the  lines,  began  to  plunder.  Meeting 
with  no  opposition,  they  fell  upon  the  sick  and  wounded,  whom 
they  immediately  massacred.  This  excited  their  appetite  for 
camajie.  The  defenceless  troops  were  surrounded  and  attacked 
with  fiend-like  fury.  Monro,  hastening  to  Montcalm,  implored 
him  to  provide  the  stipulated  guard. 

48.  His  entreaties  were  ineffectual,  and  tlie  massacre  pro- 
ceeded. All  was  turbulence  and  horror.  On  eveiy  side,  sava- 
ges were  butchering  and  scalping  their  wretched  victhns.  Their 
hideous  yells,  the  ffroans  of  the  dving,  and  the  frantic  shrielcs  of 
otfiers,  shrinking  nrom  the  uplifted  tomahawk,  were  heard  by 
the  French  unmoved.  The  Airy  of  the  savages  was  permitted 
to  rajje  without  restraint,  until  a  large  number  were  Killed,  or 
humed  captives  into  the  wilderness. 

40.  The  day  after  this  awful  tragedy,  major  Putnam  was 
sent,  with  his  rangers,  to  watch  the  motions  of  the  enemy. 
W^hen  he  came  to  the  shore  of  the  lake,  tiieir  rear  was  hardly 
beyond  the  reach  of  musket  shot.  The  prospect  was  shocking 
and  horrid.  The  fort  was  demolished.  The  barracks  and 
buildings  wore  yet  burning.    Innumerable  fragments  of  human 


sent 

• 

to 

Anc 

ms 


nm,} 


FRENCH  WAR  OT  W6^-63;r 


\L' 


caorcMMS  syir  bviaHed  in  tbt  decaying  fires.  Dead  Imttw^ 
meiigleilr  Willi  taineliawiis  andaealj^  kntfes,  in  alttbewaatonp 
vnm.  of  IiMHia  fcatbarily»  were  e^ry  where  aeattetfed  ardiad. 

SO.  OeaenA  Webb,  api^reh^^Bive  of  an  ette^ds  upoA  bfaBcelf, 
sent  ei^resBee  to  the  pxyHneee  for  iehilbrceBieiif»i  Thegr  wera 
raised  andrdeapatcbeilwitheKpefBtioft;  bota^Montealnrttiinieil 
to  Tiieottdereg%  |h^  were  hepi  in  service  hut  a  fow  ired»> 
And  tiiius ended  the  third  campsugn  in  America.    '  ■.■ 

1^1.  TlMse  contimiadl  disasters  resulted  from  foHjr  aad  niis- 
managemwit,  rather  dian  from  waat  of  means  wad  miUtaiy^ 
strength.  The  British  nation  wee  alarmed  and  indig»anit»  sba 
tlie  kmg  found  it  neeessarx  to  change  hie  councils^  Af,  tlw  hatuk 
of  the  new  ministrj,  he  placed  the  celebrated  WiWui.  Pitt,jdb» 
roee,  by  the  force  of  his  talents  alone,  fixmi  the  humUft  pert  eC 
ensi^  in  the  guards,  to  the  control  ofthe  des^nieai  of  a.  n^gjhAy 
empire.  Pumic  confidence  revived,  aad  (he  natiiMi  seeiaed 
inspired  with  new  liie  and  vigor.  > 

52.  For  the  next  campugn,  the  nunbtry  detemuned  upoa 
three  expeditions ;  one  or  twelve  thousand  men  agakst  Lewis- 
burg  ;  one  of  sixteen  thousuod  against  Ticondwosa  and  Grown 
Point,  and  one  of  eight  thousand  against  fort  Diu  Quesne.  The 
colonies  were  called  upon  to  render  all  the  assistance  in  <Mr 
power.  Lord  Loudon  having  been  recalled,  the  commMMl  of 
the  expedition  against  Louisburg  was  given  to  seneral  Amhem» 
under  whom  general  Wolfe  served  as  a  brigacHer.  The  plaee 
was  invested  on  the  12th  of  «ruae.  Amherst  made  his  approaches 
with  much  circumspection ;  and,  without  any  memorable  incideAt, 
the  siege  terminated,  on  the  2dth  of  July,  by  the  surrender  ^ 
the  plaee.  Whenever  an  opportunity  occurred,  general  WoUT, , 
who  fvas  then  young,  diwlayed  all  that  fire,  impetuonty,  mi 
discretion,  which  ailerwaras  immor^Uaed  his  name. 

08.  The  expedition  against  Ticonderoga,  was  commanded  by 
general  Abererombie.  He  was  aeeompanied  by  )ord  Howe, 
whose  military  tidents  and  amiable  virtues  made  him  the  darling 
of  the  soldiery.  This  army  consisted  of  seven  thousind  regulai* 
tro(^,  and  ten  thousand  provincials.  When  apprortchlng  the 
fort,  a  skirmish  took  place  with  a  smpdl  party  of  tho  enemy,  in 
which  lord  Howe  was  killed  at  the  first  fire.  On  seeing  him 
fldW  the  troops  moved  forward  with  an  animated  df)terminalion 
to  avenge  hie  de^^.  Three  hundrfnl  of  the  enemy  were  killed 
on  the  i^ot,  and  one  hundred  and  forty  made  prisoners. 

54.  The  ardor  of  his  men,  and  the  intelligence  gained  from 
the  prisoners)  induced  general  Abererombie  to  make  an  assault 
upon  the  works.    It  was  received  with  undaunted  bravery,  aad 

K2 


114 


FUENCH  WAK  OF  1766-«8. 


[1768. 


was  persevere  in  witli  singalai^  obetinacj.  For  four  houm,  die 
troops  reHnodn^  before  the  wi^,  attemptiiig  ta  scale  tiiem,  and 
exposed  to  a  tk»tnictive  fire  of  musketiy  and'  wtmerjr.  The 
genepal,  dei^ring  of  success,  then  diitMtdd  a  retreat  Near 
two  diolHahd  of  the  assailants  were  killed  or  wounded.  The  loss 
of%the  French  was  not  great,  and  most  of  the  kffled  v^tnee  Aot 
Uupou^  the  head,  the  Aer  parts  of  their  bodies  bdng  protected 
by  their  works.  ^  "^  ' 

05.  After  this  bloody  repulse,  Abercrombie  despatched  colonel 
Bradstreet,  with  three  thousand  men,  mostly  provincials,  against 
foil  Frontenac,  which  was  situated  oh  lake  Ontario,  and .  con- 
tained a  large  quuitity  of  merchs^idise,  provisions,  and  mUitaly 
stores.  It  fell  an  easy  conquest,  and  the  loss^  was  severely  felt 
by  the  French.  The  western  Indians,  not  receiving  :^eir  usual 
sopjply  of  merdiiUMlise,  relaxed  in  their  exertions ;  and  the  troops 
^tOu  Quesne  suffered  Arom  the  want  of  the'  provisions  and 
military  stores.  These  circumstances  contributed  essentially  to 
facilitate  the  operations  of  the  third  expedition. 

66.  This  was  placed  under  the  command  of  general  Forbes. 
He  left  Philadelphia  in  the  beginning  of  July,  and,  after  a 
laborious  march,  through  deep  morasses  and  over  unexplored 
mountains,  arrived  at  Raystown,  ninety  miles  from  Du  Quesne. 
An  advanced  party  of  eight  hundred  men,  under  the  command 
of  major  Grant,  viras  met  by  a  detachment  from  the  fort,  and  de- 
feated, with  great  slaughter. 

67.  Forbes,  undismayed  by  this  disaster,  advanced  with  cau- 
tious and  steady  perseverance.  The  enemy,  observing  his  cir- 
cumq;>ectiQn,  determined  not  to  abide  the  event  of  a  siege.  After 
dismantling  the  fort,  they  retired  down  the  Ohib,  to  thefar  settle- 
ments on  the  Missisisippi.  General  Forbes,  taking  possession  of 
die  place,  changed  its  name  to  Pittsbui^h. 

'  68.  The  campaign  of  1768,  was^highly  honorable  to  the  Bri- 
tish arms.  Of  the  three  expeditions,  two  had  completely  suc- 
ceeded, and  the  leader  of  the  third  had  made  an  important  con- 
quest. To  the  commanding  talents  of  Pitt,  and  the  confidence 
which  they  inspired,  this  change  of  fortune  must  be  attributed  ; 
and  in  no  respect  were  these  talents  more  strikingly  displayed, 
than  in  the  choice  of  men  to  execute  his  plans. 

69.  Encouraged  by  the  events  of  this  year,  the  English  antl- 
cfpated  still  greater  success  in  the  campaign  which  was  to  follow. 
The  plan  marked  out  by  the  minister,  was  indicative  of  the  bold- 
ness and  energy  of  his  genius.  Three  different  armies  were, 
at  the  same  time,  to  be  kd  amiinst  the  three  strongest  posts  of 
the  Fi'(;nch  in  America ;  Niagara,  Ticonderoga,  and  Quebec. 


sir 


[1758. 


1T69.J 


FRENCH  WAR  OF  1766—68. 


115 


[ioun,&e 
tfaeni)  and 
py.  Tb« 
it.  Near 
The  loss 
vere  %dbot 
protected 

ed  colonel 
Is,  against 
and . con- 
I  milHaly 
erely  felt 
heir  usual 
the  troops 
sions  and 
entially  to 

il  Forbes. 
1,  after  a 
nexplored 

EQiiesne. 
iommahd 
,  and  de> 

i^ith  cau- 
^  his  cir- 
^e.  After 
Bir  settle- 
session  of 

)  the  Brl- 
teljr  sue- 
ant  con- 
>nfidence 
ributed ; 
isplayedy 

ish  anti- 
0  follow, 
the  bold- 
is  were, 
posts  of 
Quebec. 


The  latter  post  was  considered  the  Strongest ;  and  it  was  there- 
fore intended  that,  should  Ticonderoga  be  conquered,  the  victo- 
rious army  should  press  forward  to  a^nst  in  its  reduction. 

60.  In  the  bejrinning  of  July,  general  Prideaux  embarked  on 
lake  Onlarid,  wim  the  army  <jiiS8(Sied  agaiiist  Niagara,  and,  on 
the  sixth,  landed  about  three  miles  from  the  fort.  He  imme- 
diately cdmiaeneed  a  siege,  in  the  progress  of  which  he  was 
killed,  by  the  bursdqg  of  adiell.  The  command  devolved  upon 
eat  Wimate  Johnson.  An  army  of  French  and  Indians  ap- 
proaching soon  after,  he  detached  a  part  of  his  forces  to  meet 
them.  A  battle  ensued ;'  die  Engliwb  gamed  the  victory,  which 
was  followed  by  the  surrender  of  the  fort. 

61.  General  Amherst,  to  whom  was  assigned  tfie  expedition 
against  Ticoiideroga,  found  so  many  dlfficulUes  to  surmount, 
that  he  was  unable  to  present  himself  before  that  place  until  lato 
in  July.  It  Was  immediately  abandoned  by  the  enemy.  The 
British  general,  after  repairing  the  works,  proceeded  against 
Crown  Point.  Qn  his  approach,  this  was  also  deserted,  the 
enemy  retiring  to  the  Isle  atix  Noix.  To  gain  possession  of  this 
post,  great  efforts  were  made,  and  much  time  consumed ;  but  a 
succession  of  storms  on  lake  Ohamplain,  prevented  success. 
General  Amherst  was  compelled  to  lead  back  his  army  to  Crown 
Pomt,  where  he  encamped  for  the  Wii^r. 

62.  The  expedition  against  Quebec,  was  tiie  most  daring  and 
unportant.  That  place,  strong  by  nature,  had  been  made  still 
stronger  by  art,  and  had  received  the  appropriate  appellation  of 
the  Gibraltar  of  America.  EVery  ei^edition  a^nst  it  had 
failed.  It  was  now  commanded  by  Montcalm,  an  officer  of 
distinguished  reputation ;  and  an  attempt  to  reduce  it  must  have 
seemra  chimerical  to  any  one  but  Pitt.  He  judged,  ri^Uy,  that 
the  boldest  and  most  dangerous  enterprises  are  often  tiie  most 
successful.  They  arouse  ue  eneivies  of  man,  and  elevate  them 
to  a  level  with  the  dangers  and  difficulties  to  be  encountered, 
especially  when  committed  to  ardent  minds,  glowing  with 
endiusiasnv,  and  emulous  of  glory. 

63p  Such  a  mind  he  had  discovered  in  general  Wolfe,  whose 
conduct  at  Louisburgh  had  attracted  his  attention.  He  appointed 
him  to  conduct  the  expedition,  and  gave  him  for  assistants, 
brigadier  generals  Moncton,  Townshend,  and  Murray;  all,  like 
himself,  young  and  ardent.  Early  in  the  season,  he  sailed  fW>m 
Halifax,  with  eight  thousand  troops,  and,  near  tbs  last  of  June, 
landed  tiie  whole  army  on  the  island  of  Orieans,  a  few  miles  be- 
low Quebec. 

64.  From  this  position  he  could  take  a  near  and  distinct  view 
of  the  obstacles  to  be  overcome.    These  were  so  great,  that  even 


116 


JmBNGH  WAR  OF  1756—63. 


[1759. 


the  bold  and  wmgnine  Wdbfe  Jptroelired  more  ta  fear  than  (o 
hope. ,  In  m  le^r  to  Afr.  ntt,  written  before  eomm«icii|g 
operadoodL  be  dedafed  that  he-saw  bHlUttt6  prosj^  of  redu- 
cing tbaiihoe. 

65.  Qnebio  iftuvli  on  tfienoi^  side  of  tbe  St  lAyneaoe,  and 
oomSfii^  of  %n  vfper  mai^  krnor  town*,  The  lower  town  Ued 
betweentheltiief  and  a  bold  j^  lofty  eminenee,^wbidi  runs 
parallel  to  %  |tf  ^^fhftwestvfaid,  At  die  top  of  thi^  eminence 
is  a  {dttbi,  upon  wfatdi  ikB  oMMr  town  is  eta^ed.  9<doWt  or 
east  of  the  eHj,  iethe  river  m»  Charies,  whose  channel  is  rough) 
and.  whose  baidvi  are.  steep  and  broken.  A  abort  distance 
farther  down,  is  the  river  Montanoreni^i  and  between  these  two 
riverSf  and  readdng  &wa  one  to  the  oitber,  was  encamped  tiic 
French  wrmy,  atroiifl^y  ^trenched  aud  at  least  equal  in  nuiaiber 
tothatofth»J^E|^. 

^  66.  Genend  Wdfe  UMk  possession  of  Point  Levi,  on  the  bank 
of  the  riv»mpoillle  Quebecy  and^m  lluit  position  cannonaded 
the  town.  Borne  injiuy  wat  done  to  the  houses,  but  his  cannon 
were  too  dirtant  to  niake  any  ino^resnon  upon  the  woria  of  the 
enemy.  He  reaolvftd  to  qujt  ti^  post,  to  land  below  Montmo- 
rency, and  passfagf  that  riveri  to  attack  the  French  general  in  hk 
entrenchments. 

67.  He  sueoeeded  in  huadmg  biff  troops,  and,  virith  a  portion 
of  his  army,  crossed  W  Bf  optmorency.  A  partial  engagement 
took  place,  in  whicii  the  French  obtadned  the  advants^.  Re- 
Ibiquishuig  ^la  plan,  he  then  determined,  in  concert  with  die 
admiral,  to  destroy  the  French  shipphig  and  magazbes.  Two 
attempts  were  unsooosssfal ;  a  thira  was  more  fortunate,  yet  but 
little  was  effected;  At  this  junctore,  hiteUigence  arrived  that 
Niagara  was  t«Ji:9n,that  Tioonderoga  and  Crown  Pomt  had  been 
abaMoned,  but  tiiat  general  Amherst,  histead  of  pressing  forward 
to  their  a4^bit«iQoe,  vrai  preparing  to  uttack  the  Isle  aux  Koix. 

68.  Wfl^  nyoiead  at  the  triumph  of  his,  brethren  in  arms,  but 
could  Aotaveldeontrasting  their  success  with  his  own  il!  fortune. 
His  mind,  alike  lofty  and  susceptible,  waf  deeply  hnpressed  by 
thediiasten  at  montmorencv ;  and  the  extreme  chagrin  of  hi 
spiritB,  pra]^  upon  his  delicate  frame.,  sensibly  affected  his 
heaU^.  lU  was  observed  freouently  to  sigh;  and,  as  if  life  was 
only  valuablia  wbila  it  added  to  nis  glory,  he  declared  to  his  hi- 
ttaMNte  firlmidii  ^  b^  woukl  not  survive  the  disgrace  which  he 
imiglned  weildfttor  •  vL*  failure  of  his  enterprise. 

69*  Peapatring  of  mooes?  btslow  t'tie  town,  he  next  directed 
His  efforts  towards  e/Tcciinp;  a  landhu;  i^ove  it.  He  removed  a. 
part  ef  Ids  army  to  Pint  Levi^  and  the  remainder  higher  op  the 
river.    He  now  found  that,  on  this  quarter,  the  fortifications 


[n6». 

than  to 
nenciiig 
\(  redxx' 

iWfWad 

sh  rniMi'. 
ninence 
lowt  or 
sroug^, 
distance 
lesetwo 
iped  Ui% 

number^ 

,  J). 

the  bank 
Bonaded 
I  cannon 
s  of  the 
flontmo-T 
ralmhie 

portion 
j^emont 
Re- 
vith  the 
Two 
jet  but 
7ed  that 
ladbeen 
brward 

Noix. 
mW)  but 
biiune. 
saed  by 

of  h; 
ited  his 
life  was 
his  in- 
Uch  he 

ioted 

lOved  a 

op  the 

lotions 


1769.] 


FRENCH  WAR  OF  1756—63. 


nr 


! 


were  not  strc  ; ;  and  discovered  that  the  heights  behind  them 
might  poaenbly  lie  gained,  by  ascending  the  precipice  in  a  narrow 
palm,  which  was  defended  oniy  by  a  captain's  guard. 

70.  The  difficulties  attendhig  this  enterprise  were  numerous. 
The  current  was  rapid,  the  shore  dielving,  th6  only  landing 
place  bo  narrow  that  it  might  easily  be  misSed  in  die  daric,  and 
the  steep  above,  sudi  as  troops,  even  when  uni^posed,  could 
not  ascend  without  difficulty.  Yet  the  plan,  though  bold  and 
hazardous,  was  well  adapt^  to  the  desperate  situation  of  affairs^ 
and  was  detciniinerj.  on. 

<  71.  To  coacea)  Uieir  intention,  the  adnural  retired  several 
leagues  up  ttve  river.  DNys^ng  the  evening,  a  strong  detach- 
ment was  pul  ja  board  the  boats,  and  moved  silentiy  down  with 
the  iMi'f  to  the  place  of  landing,  where  they  arrived  an  hour  be- 
fore day  break.  Wolfe  leapmi  on  shore,  was  followed  by  the 
troops,  and  ail  instantiy  began,  with  the  assistance  ofshrubs  and 
projectmg  rocks,  to  climb  up  the  precipice.  The  guard  was 
dispersed,  and,  by  the  dawn  of  day,  the  whole  army  gained  the 
heiglits  of  Abraham,  where  the  dHferent  corps  were  formed  un- 
der their  respective  leaders. 

72.  Montcalm,  at  finrt,  could  not  believe  that  the  En^^  had 
ascended  the  heights.  When  convinced  of  the  ftueik,  he  compre- 
hended the  full  advantage  thev  had  g^ed.  He  mw  that  a  battie 
was  inevitable,  and  prepared  vaUt  with  promptness  and  courage, 
Tieaving  his  camp  at  Montmorency,  he  advanced  towards  the  £ng« 
lish  army,  which  was  formed  in  onler  of  battie  to  receive  liim.  ^ 

73.  The  French  advanOed  briskly*  The  Englbh  reserved 
their  fire  until  the  enemy  were  near,  and  then  gave  it  with  deci* 
sive  effect  Early  in  the  engagement,  Wolfe  was  wounded  in 
the  wrist,  but,  preservii^  his  composure,  he  continued  to  encou- 
rage his  troops.  Soon  after,  he  received  a  shot  in  the  groin. 
This  painful  wound  he  also  concealed,  placed  himself  at  the 
head  of  the  grenadiers,  and  was  leading  tiiem  to  the  chatge,  when 
he  received  a  third  ai^  mortal  wound. 

'74  Undismayed  by  the  fall  of  their  general,  the  Bnglirii  eon* 
tinued  their  exertions  under  Moncton,  who,  in  a  short  time,  was 
himself  wounded,  and  the  command  devolved  upon  Townsh^nd. 
About  the  same  time,  Montcalm  received  a  mortal  wound,  and 
thesecond  in  comipand  aiau  tiell.  The  left  wing  and  centre  of 
the  French  gave  way.  P^  were  driven  into  Quebec,  and  pari 
over  the  river  St.  Charle^v 

75.  On  receiving  bis  imu-tal  wound,  Wolfe  was  conveyed  Into 
the  rear,  whera,  careletd  about  him^f,  he  liiicovered,  in  the 
agonies  of  death,  the  most  anxious  sulieitude  concerning  the  fate 
of  the  dn^.    From  extreme  fahitness,  ho  had  reclined  his  h^ad 


118 


REVOLUTION. 


on  the  arm  of  aa  officer,  l^ttt  was  booh  aroused  by  the  erf  of, 
"  they  fly,  they  fly.*'  *<  l'^  fly  V*  exclaimed  the  dying  hero. 
"  The  French,**  answered  his  attendant.  "  Then,"  said  he, 
**  I  die  contented,**  and  immediately  exinred.  A  death  so  fflo- 
rious,  and  attei^dod  by  circumstances  sO  interesting,  has  seldom 
been  reccnrded  in  history.** 

76.  Five  days  after  the  battle,  the  city  surrendered,  and  re- 
ceived an  £ngUsh  garrison.  The  French  concentrated  theii- 
remaining  forces  at  Montreal,  and,  early  in  the  spring,  made  at- 
tempts to  regain  possession  of  Quebec.  Unsuccessful  in  these, 
they  returned  to  Montreal,  towardt  which  the  whole  British  force 
in  America,  under  the  command  of  general  Amherst,  was  ap- 
proaching. This  force  was  too  8tro!ii|(  to  be  resisted.  In  Sep- 
tember, 1760,  that  city  surrendered,  and  soon  after  all  the 
French  poets  in  Canada  fell  into  the  power  of  the  English. 

77.  In  the  other  parts  of  the  world,  their  arms  were  equfUy 
succeseftd ;  and,  at  the  commencement  of  1763,  a  peace,  tughly 
advantaMotti  to  their  interests,  was  concluded  at  Paris.  By  the 
treaty,  France  ceded  to  Orea^  Britain  all  her  northern  setUe- 
ments  in  America,  which  relieved  the  colonies  from  the  conti- 
nual dread  of  savage  incursions. 


CHAPTER  XV. 


REVbLUTIHN 


IN  tha  late  brilliant  contest,  England  had  made  unprecedent- 
ed exei^ona.  At  its  close,  siie  found  that,  though  she  had  en> 
circled  her  name  with  glory,  and  adde )  extensive  territories  to 
her  empire,  she  had  increased,  in  proportion,  the  burdens  of  her 
dufafjeols,  having  added  three  hundiHBd  and  twenty  millions  of  dol- 
lars to  the  amount  of  her  debt.  To  find  the  means  of  defraying 
the  annual  ebarges  of  this  debt,  and  her  other  increased  expen- 
ditures, wu  the  first  and  difficult  task  of  her  legislators. 

2.  Regard  for  their  own  interest  and  popularity  impelled 
them  to  avoid,  If  possible,  imposing  the  whole  buitlen  upon 
themselves  and  their  fellow  subjects  at  home  ;  and  their  thoughtN 
were  turned  to  the  colonWs,  as  the  source  whence  alleviation 
and  aislstanot  might  be  derived*    On  their  account,  It  was  al- 


17^] 


REVOLUTION. 


no 


leged,  the  contest  had  been  waged ;.  tfiey  would  ahare  the  advan- 
tages of  its  glorious  tennination,  aiid  justice  retpiired  that  they 
should  also  defray  a  portion  of  the  enensea.    < 

8.  To  adopt  this  expedient,  the  British  iiilplglrj  were  the 
more  naturally  led  by  the  opinion  which  all  the  European  go- 
vernments entertained  of  the  relation  between  the  mother  coun- 
try and  her  colonies.  They  were  supposed  to  be  dM>endent  on 
her  irill ;  their  inhabitants  a  distinct  and  subordinate  class  of  sub* 
jectSy  and  their  interests  entirely  subservient  to  her  aggrandize«> 
ment  and  prosperity. 

4.  Acting  upon  these  principles,  Great  Britahi  had,  by  her 
laws  of  trade  and  navigtition,  confined  the  commerce  of  the 
colonies  almost  wholly  to  herself.  To  encourage  her  own  arti- 
sans, she  had  oven,  in  Some  cases,  prohibited  $ne  establishment 
of  manufactories  in  America.  These  restrictions,  iwhile  they 
increased  her  revenue  and  wealth,  greatly  diminished  the  profits 
of  the  trade  of  the  colonics,  and  sensibly  impeded  their  internal 
prosperity.  They  were  most  injurious  to  New-England,  where 
the  sterility  of  the  soil  repelled  the  people  from  wb  pursuits  of 
agriculture ;  there  they  wore  most  frequently  violated,  and  there 
the  arbitraiT  mode  of  enforcing  them,  by  wrUi  of  asaiifeance, 
awakened  the  attention  of  a  proud  and  jealous  peo|^  to  thdr 
natural  rights,  to  their  rights  at  English  subject!,  and  to  the 
rights  granted  and  secured  by  thehr  charters. 

5.  in  the  beginn^g  of  the  year  1764,  the  British  parliament 
enacted  a  law  imposing  duties  upon  certain  articles  or  merchan- 
dise, to  be  paid  in  the  colonial  ports.  Mr.  Orenville,  the  prime 
minister,  aub  proposed  a  resolution,  "  that  it  would  be  proper 
to  charge  certain  stainp  duties  on  the  colonitt^**  but  poatooned 
the  consideration  of  that  subject  to  a  future  SMaion.  As  It  was 
foreseen  that  the  law  would  be  disregarded,  if  extraordhiary 
measures  were  not  adopted  to  enforce  it,  prwrliloii  was  mid« 
that  all  peQalties  for  flolations  of  it,  and  of  all  otlMf  M?enue 
laws,  might  be  recovered  in  the  admiralty  courli.  iW^xig*" 
of  these  courts  were  dependent  solely  on  the  king,  mdlicluid 
the  causes  brought  before  them,  without  the  Intervention  of  a 
jury. 

6.  Intelligence  of  these  proceedings  occasioned,  in  AnMrion, 
great  and  universal  alarm.  They  were  oo&aidtri4  tht  oom* 
mencement  of  a  system  of  taxation,  which,  if  not  flMrowlj  i«- 
sisted,  would,  In  time,  be  extended  to  every  arUoloof  oonmiNOf 
and  to  every  internal  sooroe  of  Income  \  and  If  (Im  eolonlals 
could  be  deprived  in  ono  elasa  of  causes,  why  not  In  nttt  of  that 
inesthnahle  privilege,  the  trial  by  juiy  7 

7.  Tht  generalcourt of  MairaohuaeUfi  at  ththr  wwUn  |a 


ISO 


EEVOLUTION. 


[17«4. 


Jane,  took  this  law  into  Gonalderation.  The  house  of  represen* 
taUvss  uiak  a  spirited  letter  of  instructions  to  their  agent,  in 
BiU^Aiid,  hi  which  they  denied  the  right  of  parliament  to  impose 
dunes  and  ^es  upon  me  people  not  represented  in  the  house  of 
commons ;  and  directed  him  to  remonstrate  against  the  duties 
imposed,  and  the  stamp  act  in  contemplation.  Thev  also  ac- 
quainted the  other  colonies  wi^  the  hurtrucdons  they  had  given 
to  tiieir  agent,  and  desired  their  concurrence  in  the  mode  of  op- 
position adopted.  In  the  course  of  the  year,  several  other  colo- 
nies, particularly  New- York  and  Yiivinia,  remonstrated  in  re- 
spectnil,  but  decided  terms,  against  ttie  jMroceedlngs  of  parlia- 
ment 

8.  In  these  several  state  papers,  the  right  of  Great  Britain  to 
collect  a  tax  hi  the  colonies,  was  e]q;»llcidy  denied ;  and  the  de- 
nial was  supported  by  clear  and  powerful  arguments.  It  was 
fltated  that  the  first  emigt'ants  came  to  America  with  the  un- 
doubted consent  of  the  mother  country ;  that  all  the  expenses  of 
removal,  of  purchasing  the  territory,  and,  for  a  long  time,  of 
protection  from  savage  warfare,  were  defrayed  liy  private  indi- 
viduals, except  In  the  single  instence  of  the  settlement  of  Gtoor- 
ghi:  that  charters,  under  the  great  seal,  were  given  to  the  emi- 
grants, Impartfaiff  and  securing  to  them  and  to  their  descend- 
ants, all  the  rights  of  natural  bom  English  subjects ;  that  of 
these  rights,  none  was  more  bdisputable,  and  none  more  highly 
valued,  than  thiit  no  subject  could  be  deprived  of  his  property 
but  by  his  own  consent,  expressed  In  person  or  by  his  represen- 
tative ;  that  taxes  were  but  grants,  by  the  representative,  of  a 
portion  of  his  own  property,  and  of  that  of  tnose  who  had  au- 
thorised him  to  aet  In  their  behalf.  Could  it  be  iust,  it  wm 
asked,  Uiatthe  reprssentatlves  of  Englishmen  should  **  give  and 
grant'*  tfie  property  of  Americans  ?  With  what  safety  to  the 
colonies,  oould  the  right  of  taxing  them  be  confided  to  a  body  of 
men  three  thousand  miles  distant,  over  whom  thev  had  no  con- 
trol, BOM  of  whom  oould  be  acquainted  with  their  situation  or 
reeoureoi,  and  whose  interests  would  Impel  them  to  malce  the 
burdens  of  the  colonists  heavy,  that  their  own  might  be  light  ? 

9.  JBut,  besides  infringing  the  rights  of  freemen,  the  measure 
was  nehher  equlteble  nor  generous.  The  colonies  had  domes- 
tie  governments  which  they  alone  supported ;  in  the  late  war, 
thehr  exeitlons  had  been  greater,  in  proportion  to  their  ability, 
than  those  of  Enoland ;  they  also  had  contracted  debts  which 
^y  must  themselves  pay  |  the  taxes  laid  by  many  of  the  sssem- 
blm,  were  higher  than  those  paid  by  the  inhabitants  of  England ; 
if  the  war  had  been  waged  on  their  account,  It  was  because,  as 
eoloniesi  they  were  beneficial  to  the  mother  country  i  and  ih>m 


[17«4. 

represen* 
agent,  in 
to  impose 
s  liouse  of 
he  duties 
y  also  ac*> 
had  given 
de  ot  op- 
ther  colo- 
ed  in  re- 
of  parlia- 

Britainto 
iid  tlie  de- 
I.  It  was 
til  the  un- 
xpenses  of 
^  time,  of 
ivate  indi- 
tof  Oeop- 

0  the  emi- 
r  descend- 
i;  that  of 
»re  highly 

1  property 
represen- 
itive,  of  a 
10  had  nu- 

lit,  it  WM 

'*  give  and 

fety  to  the 

a  body  of 

no  con- 
ituation  or 
make  the 

light? 

mpasiiro 

domes- 
late  war, 
ifar  ability, 
its  which 
le  aiiem- 
[England ; 

satisf ,  M 
land  iVom 


vm:] 


ItEVOLUTlON. 


m 


its  happy  tenniiiation,  ihty  derived  bo  advAntage  which  wai  ii6t 
the  source  of  ultimate  profit  to  her. 

10.  Upon  men  who  entertained  the  strictest  notions  of  eolo- 
niftl  dependence,  and  parliamentary  suprem«ey,  tlnse  arsumeats 
had  Uttte  effect.  The  minister  was  not  dbeited  from  his  pur- 
pose. In  March,  1765,  he  laid  before  parliament  a  bill,  impos^g 
stamp  duties  on  certain  pq>ers  «nd  documents  used  in  the  colo- 
nies. At  the  first  reading,  it  was  warmly  opposed ;  by  acme 
because  R  wfes  impolitic,  by  two  only  because  it  was  a  violation 
of  rig^t. 

11.  The  bill  was  supported  by  Charles  Townshend,  a  bril- 
liant  orator,  on  the  side  of  the  ministry.  At  the  conclusion  of 
an  animirted  speech,  he  demanded:  "And  these  Amerioami, 
children  planted  by  our  care,  nourished  by  our  indulgence,  (HVt- 
tected  by  our  arms,  until  they  are  grown  to  a  m<m  degree  oi 
strensth  and  opulence,  will  they  grudge  to  contribute  their  mitt* 
to  reueve  us  from  the  heavy  load  of  national  expense  which  we 
lie  under?'' 

12.  Colonel  Barre,  immediately  rishitf,  indignantly  and  elo* 

?uentily  exclaimed:  **  Children  planiea  by  your  enre!  No. 
'our  opiiressions  planted  them  in  America.  They  fled  from 
your  tyranny  Into  a  then  unoultivpited  land,  vHbere  they  were 
exposed  to  all  the  hardships  t&  wkloh  human  naitttra  is  liable  { 
and  among  otfiers,  to  the  cruelties  of  a  savage  foe,  the  most  sub- 
tle, and  I  win  take  upon  me  to  say,  the  most  terrible,  that  ever 
inhabited  any  nwti  of  God's  earA.  And  yet,  actuated  by  prin- 
ciples of  true  English  liberty,  they  met  all  these  hardships  with 
pleasure.  When  they  compared  them  with  those  they  suflered  in 
their  own  country,  from  men  who  should  have  been  their  friends. 
18.  **  Tkey  nawriahtd  by  your  indtUginee  I  No.  They  grew 
by  your  neglects  When  you  began  to  care  about  them,  that  care 
was  exorcised  in  iending  persons  to  rule  over  them,  who  were 
the  deputies  of  some  deputy  sent  to  spy  out  their  liberty,  to  mis- 
represent their  actions,  and  to  prey  upon  them ;  whose  beha- 
vior, on  many  occasions,  has  caused  the  blood  of  those  sons  of 
liberty  to  recoil  within  them ;  men  promoted  to  the  highest  seats 
of  juiUce,  some  of  whom  were  glaci,  by  going  to  a  foreign  oouu* 
try,  to  es^e  being  brought  to  the  bar  of  justice  in  tlwlr  own. 
14.  **  Thty  proieeUd  Wf  wur  anm  I  They  have  nobly  taken 
up  arms  in  your  defence.  They  have  exerted  their  valor,  amklii 
their  constant  and  laborious  Industry,  for  the  defence  of  a  coun- 
try vHilch,  while  its  frontier  was  ditjr.rhed  In  blood,  has  yielded 
aU  Its  little  savings  to  your  emolument.  Believe  me,  and  re- 
member I  this  day  toM  you  so,  the  same  spirit  whteh  actuated 


tsd 


R£T0i;i7TI0K. 


[lYetf. 


that  peopk  at  6nk,  still  contfiiMs  wiih  Uieat;  but  pmdence  for- 
bkb  DM  to  eiqplain  myself  farflier. 

16.  <<6<>d  knows!  do  not  at  this  time  spetk  from  paii^kea^^ 
llow«?er  superior  to  me  in  general  knowledge  and  experience, 
any  one  hers  mar  be,  I  claim  to  know  move  of  America,  having 
been  conversant  in  that  countiy.  The  people  there  are  as  truly 
1ml  as  any  sufagects  the  Idng  has ;  but  uey  are  a  people  jealous 
01  their  liberties,  and  Will  vindicate  them  if  they  should  be  vio- 
lated.   But  the  subject  is  delicate ;  I  will  say  no  more.*' 

16.  Eloquence  flmd  argument  avuled  nothhu^  The  bUl  was 
almost  unanimously  piss^.  The  night  after^  Doctor  Franklin, 
then  in  England  as  agent  for  Pennqrlvania,  wrote  to  Charies 
Thompson :  "  The  sun  of  liberty  is  set  \  you  must  light  up  the 
candles  of  industry  and  economy.*'  **Be  assured,**  said  Mr. 
ThompsodI  in  reply,  **  that  we  shall  light  up  torches  of  quite 
an  other  sort  ;*'  thus  predicting  the  commotions  which  followed. 

17*  The  act  iNTovided  that  all  contracts  and  Iq^d  processes 
should  be  written  on  stamped  paper,  which  was  to  be  furnished, 
at  exorbitant  prices,  by  the  government,  or  should  have  no  force 
in  law*  Information  of  its  passage  was  recdved  in  all  the  colo- 
nies with  sorrow  and  dismar.  They  saw  that  they  must  either 
surrender,  without  a  strugole,  thehr  dorUng  rights,  or  resist  the 
government  of  a  nation,  whldi  they  had  been  accustomed  to  re- 
gaid  with  filial  lespect,  and  was  then  the  most  powerful  to  the 
worid. 

18.  The  general  assemblj  of  Vinrtnla  were  in  session  wiien 
the  hiformation  arrived.  Of  that  body,  Patrick  Henry,  a  young 
man,  but  a  distinguished  orator,  was  a  member*  Near  the  close 
of  ihe  session,  he  proposed  five  resolutions,  in  the  first  four  of 
which  were  asserted  the  various  riohts  and  privileges  claimed  by 
the  colonists,  and,  in  the  fifth,  the  right  of  parliament  to  tax 
America)  was  boldly  and  explicitly  denied.  These  he  defended 
by  strong  reason  and  irresistible  eloquence,  and  they  were  adopts 
ed  by  a  majority  of  one. 

19*  The  next  day,  in  his  absence,  the  fifth  resolution  was  re- 
scinded  (  but  that  and  the  others  had  gone  forth  to  the  world, 
and  imparted  higher  animation  to  the  friends  of  freedom.  They 
were  a  signal  to  the  resolute  and  ardent ;  they  gave  encourage- 
ment to  the  tlmkl  and  cautious  i  they  were  hidustriously  but 
Srivately  circulated,  in  the  principal  cities,  until  thev  arrived  in 
few-England,  where  they  were  raarieisly  published  in  all  the 
newspapers. 

20.  Neariy  at  tho  same  time,  and  before  the  prooeedlnfli  of 
Tii^nia  were  known  in  Massachusetts,  her  general  court  adopt- 
ed meaiurti  to  procure  a  combined  opposition  to  >iit  offeiaivQ 


dence  for- 

partjrkeat. 
Kperienoe, 
let,  having 
ire  a»  truly 
pie  jealous 
uld  be  vie- 

He  bill  was 
>  Franklin, 
to  Charles 
ght  up  the 
'  said  Mr. 
es  of  quite 
1  followed. 

I  processes 
numished, 

ire  no  force 

II  the  colo- 
must  either 
r  resist  the 
med  to  re- 
rful  in  the 

ision  wiien 
ry,  a  young 
ir  the  close 
rat  four  of 
Dlaimed  by 
lent  to  tax 
D  defended 
rere  adopt» 

m  was  re- 
thc  world) 
n.  They 
incourage- 
ciously  but 
arrived  in 
in  all  the 

eedinciof 
mrtadopt- 
offemlvu 


1760.] 


KEVOMTIOK. 


laws.  They  passed  a  resolve  proposing  that  a  congress  of  dele- 
gates from  the  several  colonies,  should  be  held  at  New-York,  and 
addressed  letters  to  the  other  assemblies,  earnestly  solicitfaig 
their  concurrence.  - 

91.  These  legtsktM  proceedings  took  place  in  May  and 
June,  1766.  They  were  the  moderate  and  dignified  expressioot 
Of  feeling,  which  animated,  in  a  more  intense  degree,  a  great 
majority  of  the  people.  In  New-England,  associations,  for  th« 
purpose  of  resisting  the  law,  were  organized,  assuming,  from 
Barrels  speech,  the  appellation  of  <*  3ons  of  Liberty ;"  p|am- 
phletswere  published  vbidicathig  the  rights  of  the  colonies; 
and  the  public  journals  were  filled  with  essays  pointing  out  the 
danger  which  threatened  the  cause  of  liberty,  and  encouraging  a 
bold  and  manly  resistance. 

as.  £xcited  by  these  publications,  a  multitude  asaembled  in 
Boston,  on  the  14th  of  August,  burned  the  effigy  of  Andrew 
Oliver,  who  had  been  appointed  stamp-distributer,  and  demo- 
lished a  building  which  uey  supposed  he  had  erected  for  his  of- 
fice»  Fearfiil  of'  farther  injury,  Mr.  Oliver  declared  his  hiten- 
tion  to  reidgn,  when  the  people  desisted  from  molesting  him. 
V  98.  Several  days  afterwards,  a  mob  beset  the  house  of  Mr. 
Story,  an  officer  of  the  detested  admiralty  court  They  broke, 
his  windowti  destroved  his  furniture,  and  burned  his  papers. 
They  then  proceeded  to  the  house  of  lieutenant-governor 
Hutchfaison,by  whose  advice,  it  was  supposed,  the  stamp  act  had 
been  passed.  They  entered  it  by  force.  Himself,  his  wife,  and 
children  fled.  His  elegant  furniture  was  carried  oflf  or  deftroyed. 
The  partitions  of  the  house  were  broken  down,  and  the  next 
morning  nothbig  but  the  bare  and  desolate  walls  remained, 
f  84.  When  intelligence  of  these  proceedings  reached  Newport^ 
in  Rhode  Island,  the  people  of  that  place  essembled  and  com- 
mitted similar  outrages.  Two  houses  were  pillaged,  and  the 
stamp-distributer,  to  preserve  his  own,  was  obllgMl  to  give  to 
the  leader  of  the  exasperated  populace  a  written  resignation  of 
his  office.  In  Connecticut,  similar  commotions  were  also 
quieted  by  the  resignation  of  the  distributer  of  stamps  for  that 
colony. 

S6.  In  New- York,  the  people  displayed  equal  spirit,  but  lea 
turbulence  and  rage.  The  obnoxious  act  was  printed,  under 
the  title  of  <«  The  folly  of  England,  and  the  ruin  of  America," 
and  thus  exhibited  for  sale  in  the  streets.  At  an  early  period, 
the  stamp^istributer  prudently  resigned  his  office  ;  and  when 
tne  stamped  paper  arrived,  it  was  deposited  for  safe  keeping  in 
the  fort.  A  mob  reauired  the  lieutenant-governor  to  place  It  in 
their  htndi*    He  reAised }  but,  terrified  by  their  menaces,  oon'^ 


184 


REVOLUTIOK. 


[1766. 


lifMd  to  dourer  it  to  the  magistntes,  who  depoiiked  it  in  the 
c^  liaU.  Ten  boxes,  wliidk  afterwudi  arrived^  men  leized 
by  the  people,  and  Committed  to  the  flames. 

26.  So  general  was  the  q>po8ition  to  the  law,  tiiat  the  stamp 
officers,  in  aU  the  eolonies,  were  competed  to  vamgu.  In  Bos- 
ton, care  was  takm,  on  the  one  hand,  to  prevent  tlw  reenrrence 
of  violent  proceedingi,  and,  on  the  other,  to  keep  in  fuH  irigor 
the  spirit  of  resistance.  A  newspaper  was  estaolifhed,  having 
for  its  device  a  snake  divkled  into  as  many  parts  a»  thwe  were 
colonies,  and  for  its  motto,  "jcln  or  die.**  Ml*.  Oliver  was  re* 
quired  to  resign  his  office,  with  more  ceremony  and  sdemn^, 
under  a  large  elm,  which  had,  from  the  meetings  lield  under  it, 
receired  the  name  of  the  tree  oF  liberty. 

27.  In  October,  the  congress  recommended  by  Massadiusetts, 
convened  at  New-Yoric.  Delegates  from  tAx  provinces  only 
were  present.  Thefar  first  act  was  a  Declaration  of  Ri(^,  In 
which  they  asserted,  that  the  colonies  vrere  entitled  to  aU  the 
riffhts  and  liberties  of  natoral  bom  subjects  within  tibe  kingdom 
of  Great  BritiJn,  tfie  most  essmtial  of  which  were  the  exclusive 
right  to  tax  themselves,  and  the  privilege  of  trial  by  jury.  A 
petition  to  the  king,  and  a  memorial  to  both  houses  of  pariiament. 
were  also  agreed  on ;  and  the  colonial  aMwmblies  were  adi^sed 
to  appoint  special  agents  to  sdicit,  Ui  concert,  a  redlr«ss  of 

Slevances.  To  interest  the  people  of  England  fai  the  cause  of 
e  colonies,  the  merohanta  of  New-Yoric  directed  their  eorre»* 
pendents.  In  that  country,  to  purchase  no  more  goods  until  the 
stan^p  aOt  should  be  repealed.  Immediately  after,  non-importa- 
tion agreements  were  adopted  in  the  other  colonies,  and  associao 
tions  were  organized  for  tne  encouragement  of  domestic  menu- 
ftiotures.  To  avoid  the  necessity  of  stamps,  proceedings  in  the 
courts  of  justice  were  suspended^  and  disputes  were  settied  by 
arbitration. 

26.  In  the  moan  thne,  an  entire  change  had  taken  pltee  in 
the  British  cabinet,  and  a  proposition  to  repeal  the  stamp  act 
was,  by  the  new  minlstir,  laid  before  pariiament.  An  interesting 
debate  ensued.  Mr.  OrenvUIe,  the  late  prime  minister,  decla- 
red, that  to  repeal  the  act  under  existing  circumstances.  Would 
degrade  the  ffovemment,  and  encourage  rebellion.  **  When," 
he  demanded,  **  were  the  Americans  emancipated  ?  By  what 
law,  bv  what  reason^  do  they  ungrateAiUy  claim  exemption  from 
defraying  expenses  Incuired  in  protecting  them  t** 

29.  William  Pitt,  he  who  had  wielded,  wltii  such  mighty  ef- 
(bet,  the  power  of  England,  in  the  late  war,  rose  to  reply.  Ho 
regretted  that  he  had  not  been  able  to  attend  In  hb  place,  and 
oppODO  the  law  on  its  pasiage.    **  It  la  now  an  act  Uiat  hai 


[1766. 


1766.] 


KEVOLtJTIOir 


185 


it  in  the 
re  feised 

the  ftansp 
InBoe- 
seorrence 
foil  viffor 
id,  hafug 
i«re  were 
irwM  fe« 
lolemnl^, 
under  it, 

nces  only 
ligfati,  in 
bo  all  the 
ildngdom 
exclusive 
jury.  A 
uiiament. 
e  adviaea 
ediMM  of 
I  cause  of 
'r  eorrech 
until  tlie 
i-importa« 
dasaoeia* 
Ic  manu- 
igsin  the 
lettled  by 

place  in 
itamp  act 
nteresting 
er,  deola- 

,  Would 
» When,»» 

By  what 
ttionfrom 


nighty  ef- 

ly.    He 

laoe,  and 

that  has 


Im 


passed.  I  would  speak  with  decency  of  erery  act  of  this  hwtg^ 
but  I  must  beg  the  indulgence  Of  this  house  io  speak  of  it  vmtt 

',  freedom.  Assuredly  a  more  important  subject  never  engaged 
your  attention}  that  subject  only  excqited,,when^  neuiy  a 
century  ago,  it  was  the  quertion  Whether  you  yourselves  were 
bond  orfhse? 

^  .  80.  "  Those  who  have  npoken  before  me,  with  so  much  ve^ 
hemence,  would  maintain  the  act  because  our  honor  demands  it. 
But  can  ihe  point  of  honor  stand  opposed  i^uiurt  justice,  against 
season,  against  right  ?  It  is  iny  opimon  that  Engluid  has  no  right 
to  tax  the  colonies.     At  the  same  time,  I  assert  the  authority  of 

^  this  kingdom  over  the  colonies  to  be  sovereign, and  supreme,  in 
every  circumstance  of  govermnient  and  Isolation  whatsoever. 

81 .  ^<  Taxati(m  is  no  part  of  the  governing  or  legislative  pow- 
er. The  taxes  are  a  voluntary  gift  and  grant  of  uie  commons 
alone;  when,  therelbre,  in  thhi house,  we  ^ve  and  grant,  we 
give  and  grant  what  is  our  own.  But  in  an  American  tax,  what 
do  wedol  We,  your  majesty's  commons  of  Great  Britain,  adve 
and  grant  to  your  majesty— -what 7  Our  qwn  property?  No, 

vWe  give  and  grant  to  your  majesty  the  property  of  your  com- 
mons in  America.     It  is  an  absurdity  in  terms. 

82.  **  It  has  been  asked,  when  were  the  Americans  enkanei* 
Dated  ?  But  I  desire  to  know  when  they  were  inade  slaves.  I 
near  it  ssdd,  that  America  is  obstinate ;  America  is  almost  in 
open  rebellion.  I  rejoice  that  America  has  resisted.  Tluree 
millions  of  people,  so  dead  to  all  the  feelings  of  liberty  as  rolun- 
tartly  to  submit  to  be  slaves,  would  have  been  fit  instruments  to 
make  slaves  of  ourselves. 

83.  "  The  honorable  member  has  stdd,  for  he  is  fluent  in 
words  of  bitterness,  that  America  is  ungrateful.  He  boasts  of 
his  bounties  towards  her.  But  are  not  mese  bounties  intended 
finally  for  the  benefit  of  this  kingdom  1  The  profits  of  Great 
Britain,  from  her  commerce  with  tlie  colonies,  are  two  millions 
a  year.  This  is  the  fund  tliat  carried  you  triumphantly  through 
the  last  war.     The  estates  that  were  rented  at  two  tliousand 

,  TMunds  a  year»  seventy  vears  ago,  are  at  three  thousand  pounds 
at  present.  You  owe  this  to  Ameripa*  This  Is  the  pnce  8))e 
pays  you  for  protection. 

84.  "  A  great  deal  has  been  said  without  doors,  and  mora 
than  Is  discreet,  of  the  power,  of  the  strength  of  America.  In  a 
good  cause,  on  a  sound  bottom,  the  force  of  this  country  can 
crush  America  to  atoms.  But  on  thjs  ground  of  &ls  tax,  when 
It  is  wished  to  prosecute  an  evident  li^ustlce,  I  am  one  who  will 
lift  my  hands  and  my  voice  against  It.  In  such  a  cause,  your 
•uGceiA  woukl  be  deplorable  and  victory  hutardous*    Amaricay . 

h9 


126 


RETOLUTION^ 


[1767. 


if  aha  fUl,  would  MUkft  the  strong  taum.  She  wo«ld  embrace 
the  pUhi*  of  the  state,  anEl  pttll  <|<»wb  tlie  oonstifeutioii  aloos  with 
her.^ 

35*  The  sentimeiits  of  this  great  stateHinan  prenUed  hi  par- 
liaaieut  Th0  stamp  act  was  repealed ;  but  aaotber  aot  was 
passed  deelaring  that  "  the  legoAature  of  Great  Britain  has 
author!^  to  make  laws  to  bfaid  the  oolonies  in  all  ciises  what- 
tpeverw**  The  merchants  of  London  rejoiced  at  this  repeal. 
They  had  felt  the  efieots  of  Ae  odoonl  non-importation  agree- 
ments, and  dreaded  that  still  more  injnrious  consequences  wottl4 ' 
follow. 

86.  But  far  greater  were  die  rejoidngs  of  the  Americans. 
They  had  obtatoed  the  object  for  which  they  had  contended. 
They  riMfarded  the  decbaratinry  act  as  the  mera  reservi^on  of 
wounded  pride,  and  welcomed  with  transp<nt  the  opportunitv  of 
again  obj^riahing  tikeir  former  affecdon  for  the  fgmd  of  their 
fathers.  The  asaembBes  of  several  colonies  voted  their  dianks 
to  Mr*  Pitt,  and  to  others  in  England,  who  had  supported  thehr 
cause )  and  that  of  Yiiginia  resolved  to  erect  an  obelislc  to  their 
hoqof,  9^4  9-  mwble  statue  of  the  king,  as  a  memorial  of  grati- 
tude. 

37.  By  the  people  of  New-England  and  New- York  less  joy 
vf  fts  felt  Mid  less  g^filitude  display^.  The  laws  imposing  duties 
on  tibeir  trade  werd  still  in  force.  The  courts  of  admiraltjr^ 
stt^g  widiout  juries,  still  retained  jurisdiction  of  all  revenue 
causes*  Their  rqieated  contests  with  their  governors,  had 
weakened  their  attachment  to  the  nation  that  appointed  them, 
and  confinued  their  republican  principles.  Thev  still  remem- 
bered the  past  !m4>  entertadned  suspicions  of  the  future. 

^^  The  very  next  year  events  occurred  which  justified 
these  suspicions,  A  law  of  parliament,  whksh  remained  unre- 
pealed, directed  that  whenever  troops  should  be  marched  into 
any  of  the  colonies,  ouartersr  rum,  and  various  necessary  articles, 
tiliould  be  provMed  for  them,  at  the  expense  of  the  colony.  Thi^ 
assembly  of  New-York  refused  obedience  to  this  law,  consider- 
ing It  an  indirect  mode  of  taxUig  them  without  their  consent. 
Xo  puniffathis  disobedience,  pariiament  immediately  suspended 
the  authority  of  the  assembly.  It  was  easily  seen  that  nothing* 
bad  been  gained,  if  this  power  of  suspension,  for  suqha  cause, 
existed,  and  could  ba  oxe'^^^  <^t  pleasure. 

99^  The.  alarm*  oceasioned  by  this  act  of  despotic  power, 
was  (nereabed  by  a  measure,  which,  under  the  auspices  or  a  new 
ministry,  was  adopted  in  June>  1767.  A  duty  was  imposed  by 
parliament  on  the  importation  into  tho  coVinics,  of  glass,  tea, 
^  other  enumorated  articles,  ond  j^ovision  was  oiaoe  for  the 


176S.1 


REYOUrriOK. 


127 


>ower» 
anew 

by 

ly  tea» 
>r  the 


upoiiilaieiil  of  eomtniBBioineni  of  tibe  euetoins  to  be  dopeodeot 
Bofidy  on  the  crown. 

40.  Early  in  the  next  year,  ^e  general  cbuit  of  Bfaesachu- 
oetto,  pursakig  dw  flMtto  eonne  as  in  1764^  addressed  a  letter  to 
their  agent  in  London,  containing  able  ai^gonents  agakrivt  those 
duties,  andreifMeted  him  to  eotmnnnicate  ^  lett^  to  the  na- 
nbtry.  ThSy  also  sei^  to  the  other  colonial  asseml^ei!^  adrca- 
lar  letter,  in  whioh  these  aiguments  were  repeated,  and  suggests 
ed  the  expediency  of  actiog  in  concert,  in  all  endearors  to  ob- 
tain redress. 

41.  Hiese  proceedings  Incensed  and  alarmed  the  minlMry^ 
They  ibared  that  a  union  of  the  colonies  would  give  them  strcmg^ 
and  confidence,  aiid  determined  if  posdble  to  jprevent  it  *Tbty 
instructed  Sir  j^im  Bernard,  then  governor  or  Massachusetts,  to 
require  the  geiunral  court  tc  resdnd  the  vote  directhig  ttie  circu- 
lar letter  to  bo  sent,  and  hi  case  of  refusal  to  dissolve  it.  The 
i^ovemor  communioiited  these  instructions  to  the  house  of  rqpre- 
B.^ntadveS,  which,  by  a  vote  of  ninetv-two  to  seronteen,  reftued 
to  rescind,  and  wss  accordingly  dissdved. 

42.  The  attempt  to  inthaldate  did  but  stirenffthen  oppodtion. 
The  nob-importaoon  agreements,  which  had  Been  latHh^  abanp 
doned,  were  renewed,  and  more  extemdvely  adopted.  The  citl> 
zens  of  Boston  met,  and  proposed  that  a  convention  of  delegates 
from  the  several  towns  in  the  province,  should  bo  hdd  at  that 
place.  Nearly  every  town  acoordingly  sent  delegates.  This 
convention,  though  It  disclahned  all  iegu  authority,  was  regard- 
ed with  the  same  respect  as  a  legitimate  assembly.  Its  proceed- 
ings were  unimportant,  but  by  Its  sessions  In  the  metropolis  of 
New-England,  the  people  beoune  accustomed  to  pay  deference 
to  a  body  of  men  deriving  all  their  authority  from  the  instruct 
tions  of  their  constituents. 

48^  On  so  many  occasion?  had  the  refractonr  spirit  of  the 
citliens  of  Boston  been  displayed,  that  nneral  Cfage,  who  was 
commander-in-chief  of  all  me  troops  in  me  colonies,  vna  ordered 
to  station  a  re^ment  in  that  town,  as  well  to  overawe  the  citi- 
zens, as  to  protect  the  oncers  of  Uie  revenue  in  tho  discharge  of 
their  duty.  Before  the  order  waj^  executed,  the  seizure  of  a 
sloop  belonging  to  Ulr.  Hancock,  a  popular  leader,  occasioned  a 
riot,  in  whwh  those  ofHcers  were  insulted  and  beaten.  The 
general,  on  receiving  informaUon  of  this  event,  sent  two  regi- 
ments instead  of  one,  and  on  the  first  of  October  they  arrived  in 
the  harbor. 

44.  The  ships  that  brought  them,  taking  a  station  that  com- 
manded the  wnole  town,  lay  with  tl^eir  faroadskles  towards  it, 
xwii  tQ  fire  shoiit^  resistance  be  attempted.,    The  troops,  with 


128 


REVOLUTION. 


[I7«d, 


loaded  muskets  and  fixed  ba3ro^et8,  then  landed;  M>  the  seleet*. 
men  having  refused  to  provide  quarters,  they  took  possession  of 
the  state-iipuse.    All  toe  rooms,  except  one  jvserved  for  the 
council,  were  filled,  and  two  pieces  of  camion  were  placed  neso) ' 
the  principal  entrance. 

4c).  Wfth  uM%umt  and  exasperated  feelings,  the  people  wit^ 
nessed  this  threatening  display  of  military  force.  They  saw  the 
hall  of  their  venerated  legislature  polluted  by  the  t^*ead  of  fiireign 
mercenaries.  They  saw  soldiers  piiradUig  theii*  streets  and. 
guards  mounted  at  the  comers.  They  were  challenged  as  Uiey 
paeaed,  and  the  unwdcome  dm  of  martial  music  oAen  disturbed 
their  repose.  They  knew  that  intimidation  was  the  object,  and 
felt  a  stronger  deterinination  tp  resist  than  had  before  animated 
their  bosonls. 

46.  Resolutions,  in  the  mean  time,  had  been  adopted  in  par- 
liament, censuring,  in  the  Wrongest  terms  the  conduct  of  the 
people  of  Maissachusetts,  and  direcUng  the  goverqior  to  make 
strict  inquiry,  as  to  all  treasons  committed  In  Uiat  province, 
since  the  year  1667,  in  order  that  the  persons  most  active  in. 
committing  them  might  be  sent  to  jBi^land  for  tri|J« 
.  47.  These  resolutions  rendered  it  sufiieienUy  evident  that 
Great  Britain  had  determined  to  adhere  to  the  system  o*'  mea- 
$ures  she  had  adopted.  In  May,  they  were  taken  into  conside- 
ration by.  the  house  of  burgesses  of  Vii^inia. .  In  Sundry  reso- 
lutions, they.retwserted  the  right  of  the  colonies  to  lie  exempted 
from  parliamentary  taxation,  and  declared  that  seizing  persons 
in  the  colonies,  suspected  of  having  committed  crim^t;  thereiuj^ 
and  sending  them  beyond  sea  to  be  tried,  violated  the  rights  of 
British  subjects,  as  it  deprived  them,  of  the  inestimable  i^ht  of 
heing  tried  by  a  jury  of  the  vicinage^  and  of  producing  witnesses 
on  their  trial. 

48.  While  these  resolutions  were  under  discussion,  the  house, 
apprehensive  of  an  immediate  dissolution  should  the  subject 
pf  their  deliberations  %e  known  to  the  governor,  closed  theii* 
doors.  The  instant  they  were  opened,  a  message  was  an- 
nounced,  requesting  thehr  attendance  before  him.  <'  Mr.  Speak- 
er," said  he,  **  and  gpnUemen  of  the  hoiise  of  burgesses.  I  have 
heard  of  your  resolves,  and  atlgur  ill  of  their  effects.  You  have 
made  it  my  duty  tp  dissolve  you,  and  you  are  dissolved  accord- 
ingly." 

49.  This,  like  every  previous  measure  of  intimidation,  ex- 
cited^ to  a  still  higher  degree,  the  spirit  of  opposition.  The 
members  assembled  at  a  private  house,  elected  thehr  speaker  to 
preside  as  modtratoft  and  unanimously  formed  a  I'^-.i-lmporta? 
tjoQ  agreei)neat  f imQiff  to  titose  previously  adopted  at  the  nort))t 


[1760, 

theseleet- 
(session  of 
4  for  the 
laced  nesff  • 

people  wit^ 
ey  saw  the 
of  foreign 
treets  and. 
;ed  as  they 
1  disturbed 
objfBct,  and 
e  animated 

ted  in  par- 
luct  of  the 
)r  to  make 
t  province^ 
it  acUve  in 

evident  that 
jm  p*'  mea* 
ito  ccnside- 
undry  reso- 
e  exempted 
ing  persons 
i^q  therein^ 
be  rights  of 
ible  nght  of 
g  witnesses 

,  the  house, 
the  subject 
losed  theii* 

Ke  was  an*. 
Vir.  Speak- 
(es.  I  have 
You  have 
ved  accord- 

idation,  ex* 
Itlon.  The 
speaker  to 
.i-lmporta- 
it  the  non)i, 


mo.] 


teVOLtJTiON. 


ia» 


Wik  fiBvr  wedcSy  the  example  of  Tirginia  was  followed  by  moit 
of  the  soaAem  cdonies.         ^ 

90.  To  the  eitizens  of  Boston,  lite  troqps  quartered  among 
them  were  a  ppinftd  abd  irritating  spectacle.  Q^iamds  occur- 
ring daily  between  them  and  the  populace,  increased  the  aidmo- 
sity  of  each  to  ungovernable  hatred.  At  length,  on  Ae  evening 
of  the  fifth  of  March,  an  affirav  took  place  in  King<«treet,  [since 
caBed  l^te-street,]  in  which  a  detachment  of  the  troops  com- 
manded by  cwtain  Preston,  after  being  insulted,  pdted  wtth 
snow  balls  ana  dared  to  fire,  cUscharged  their  muskets  upon  the 
multitude,  killing  four  persons  and  wounding  otkers. 
.  51.  The  drumfl  were  instantly  bei^  to  arms,  and  sevoral  thou- 
sand people  assembled,  frho,  enraged  1^  the  sight  of  die  dead 
bodies  or  dieir  fellow  citizens,  idain  in  a  eause  dear  to  them  aU, 
prepared  to  attack  a  lai^r  detachment  which  had  been  sent  tff 
support  tfieir  comrades.  In  this  state  of  excitement,  they  were 
addressed  i)y  lieutenanUgovemor  Hutchinson,  who  appeared  in 
the  midst  of  them.  Though  personidly  ci^noxious,  he  calmed 
their  fiim  and  prevailed  upon  mem  to  disperse  until  morning. 

62.  The  next  day,  captain  Preston  and  his  party  were  arrest- 
ed and  committed  to  prison.  The  citizens  met  and  s^ppointed  a 
committee  to  demand  the  immediate  removal  of  the  troops  firpm 
the  town.  At  this  meeting,  Samuel  Adams,  an  inflexible  pa- 
triot, was  distinguished  for  his  decision  and  boldness.  Alter 
some  hesitation,  on  the  part  of  the  commandhig  officer,  they 
were  sent  to  castie  William,  and  were  accompanied  by  several 
officers  of  the  customs  who  dreaded  the  indignation  of  the  people. 

53.  Three  days  afterwards,  the  fiineral  of  the  deceased  took 
place.  It  was  conducted  wkh  great  ponui  and  unusual  ceremo- 
nies, expressive  of  the  public  feeUng.  Tne  shops  were  closed. 
The  bells  of  Boston,  Iloxbury,  and  Gharlestown  were  tolled. 
Four  processions,  moving  firom  different  parts  of  the  town,  met 
at  the  fatal  spot,  and  proceeded  thence  towards  the  place  of  in- 
terment. This  united  procession  comprised  an  immense  num- 
ber of  people  on  foot  and  in  carriages,  all  displaying  the  deepest 
grief  and  indignation.  The  bodies  were  deposited  together  in 
the  same  vault. 

54.  When  the  passions  of  the  people  had  in  some  degree  8ub<« 
sided,  captain  Preston  and  his  soldiers  were  brought  to  trial. 
They  were  defended  by  John  Adams,  and  Josiah  Quiney,  two 
able  lawyers,  and  distinguished  leaders  of  the  popular  par^. 
For  neany  six  weeks,  the  court  were  employed  hi  examinbg 
witnesses,  and  in  listening  to  the  arguments  of  counsel.  Captain 
PrestOQ,  not  havhig  ordered  hb  men  to  fire,  was  acquitted  by 
the  jury.    Of  the  Holdien,  six  were  »|90  acquitted,  there  behig 


. 


130 


BEVOLUTIOir. 


[ITm 


no  positive  testlinony  that  they  fired  uppn  the  pepiflif  t|p4 l«ra 
were  aie^uitted  of  murder,  as  great  piN>voeaMoA  i^^llIN^ 
found  guil^  of  manslaus^r-^  rMult  evineJAg  fpe  l|p|Q|^^.<^ 
the  jury  and  the  magnanimity  and  upHghtness  df  Ihe  ciMplel 
for  ate  accused. 

55.  Widle  these  erenta  vr^re  occulting  in  the  cplonlest  an 
att^mptfc  supported  by  the  prime  minister,  was  made  in  Eng^ 
IsudmIi  to  repeal  all  the  laws  for  raising  a  revenue  in  Amerie«« 
The  parliament,  with  a  mixture  of  timi^ty  and  obstinacy, 
ciharaoterirtie  of  the  council^  of  the  nation  at  that  period,  relin- 
quished all  the  duties  but  that  on  tea,  suad  this  th^  tmwisely 
retained  to  assert  and  display  their  supremacy  over  ^  colonies, 

5Q.  This  partial  repeal  produced  no  change  in  the  sentiments 
of  the  people.  By  rendering  the  contest  more  clearly  a  contest 
of  (Hrinciple,  it  sanctified  their  conduct  in  thei^  own  view  and 
ennobled  It  in  that  of  t|ie  wori<|*  The  non-importation  agree- 
ments«  hoivever,  were  made  t^  correspond  with  the  altered  law. 
Tea  only  was  to  be  excluded  from  the  country ;  and  this  ajrticle 
of  luxury  was  banished  from  the  tables  Qf  all  who  vrt/re  friendly 
to  An)e.icw  rigi^ts,  . 


CHAPTER  XVL 


REVOLUTION- 


THE  years  IT71  and  1772  were  not  distinguirhed  by  any 
important  event.  The  southern  colonies,  more  agricultural 
than  commercial,  suffei^d  but  litUe  from  the  operation  of  the 
laws  of  trade,  and,  having  mostiy  popular  governors,  continued 
tranquil.  In  Massachusetts,  various  causes  contributed,  to  iUi 
crease  the  discontent  which  previously  existed.  Governor 
Hutchinson,  having  adjourned  the  general  court  to  Sal^eni,  re- 
fused, notwithstanding  reiterated  remonstrances,  to  permit  them 
to  return  to  Boston.  He  withdrew  the  provincial  troops  from 
the  castle  and  supplied  their  place  with  regulars,  as  the  Britisli 
troops  were  then  called.  He  declined  recSvinff  his  salary  firoin 
the  colonial  treasury,  stating  that  his  majesty  nad  assigned  to 
Jiim,  and  also  to  the  judges,  permanent  and  honorable  salaries, 
(0  |)e  paid  in  Grefit  Britain.     These  measures  \vere  highly 


[iTTa. 

ai4l«r<r 
MMs4^  unt 

obvmkel 

miWy  an 
in  Eng* 
lLmeric«« 
t)ftinacy, 
)d,  relin- 
onwisely 
colonies* 
intiments 
a  contest 
riew  and 
»n  agree- 
»redlaw. 
JsarUcle 
>  friendly 


EiBYOLlJTiOl^) 


m 


-^f 


by  any 
icultural 
1  of  the 
ontinued 

to  in-t 
ovemor 
jSni,  re- 
nit  them 
pg  from 

Britisli 

gned  to 
salaries, 
highly 


tqipiBiNiIar,  and  especially  the  last  which  released  those  officers 

^  1.  f  oascotainthe  sentiments  of  tbeinbabitaois ;  io  enlight^ii 
um  remoiest  iMurts  o^  the  provhice  by  diffusing  hitelligence,  and 
diafaribntfaig  political  essays ;  and  to  produce  concert  in  Inea- 
surejiy  James  Warren  and  Samuel  Adams  sagg<^rted  and  pro- 
cured the  appoiniment|  in  every  town,  of  committees  of  correc- 
pomience.  Bf  the^  agenby  of  mese,  resoluttons  and  addressed, 
srome^es  hodSammidbory  and  dways  npinted)  were  ^eedily  con- 
veyed  through  tiiie  country,  arousing  me  attention  or  til  and  ex- 
hnting  to  perseverance  in  the  cause  of  liberty.  This  ekample 
was  soon  after  followed  in  other  colonies :  and  in  1173,  at  the 
suggestion  of  the  Vir^nia  assembly^  standing  coininitteies  were 
appointed,  by  the  colonial  lejy^latures^to  correspond  widi  each 
other.  Thfe  inatitii^on,  when  more  active  opposition  became 
necessaiy,  was  found  extremely  useful.  .  * 

3.  In  this  year,  Ih*.  Franklin  obtadned  in  London  a  nunfter 
of  oiighud  letters  from  governor  Hutchinson,  lieutenant-gov- 
ernor OUver  anci  others,  to  their  correspondents  in  parliament, 
tn  these  letters,  ^e  oppodltion  in  Massachutiidtis  wad  stated  to 
be  coni^ed  to  a  few  factious  individuals  who  had  b^en  em- 
boldened by  the  wealtoess  of  the  means  used  to  reStt^  them. 
Measures  more  vigorous  were  recommended :  and  the  ministry 
were  ui^d  to  take  frbm  the  people  and  exercise  themselves 
the  power  of  appointing  counsellors  and  a)l  colonial  magistrates. 
Tliose  letters  he  transmitted  to  Boston. 

4.  The  source  and  occasion  of  the  offensive  proceedings  of 
parliament  were  now  disclosed.  The  passions  of  the  people 
were  hig^y  inflamed,  and  the  weight  of  popular  indignation 
fell  upon  the  authors  of  these  letters.  Thle  central  committee 
of  correspondence,  at  Boston,  sent  printed  copies,  enclosed  in 
a  spirited  circular,  to  all  the  towns  ha  the  province.  And  the 
general  court,  in  several  resolutions  which  were  also  published, 
animadverted  with  severity  upon  the  misrepresentations  and 
advice  contahiecl  in  the  letters,  thus  increasing  the  irritation 
which  thefar  discovery  and  perusal  had  occasioned. 

5.  Meanwhile  the  tea  of  the  East  India  company,  not  find- 
ing a  market  in  America,  accumulated  in  their  warehouses  in 
li^ngland.  Encouraged  hy  the  government,  they  resolved  to 
export  it  on  thehr  own  account,  and  appointed  consignees  hi  the 
various  sea-ports  b  the  colonies.  Those  hi  Philadelphia  were 
induced,  by  the  disapprobation  expressed  by  the  citizens,  to 
dedhie  their  appointment.  In  New-York,  spirited  handbills 
were  chrcidated  menachig  with  ruin  every  person  who  should 
be  coBcemed  in  vendbg  tea,  and  requiriog  the  pilots,  at  theit' 


132 


RtvoLtmojf. 


[vm. 


peril,  not  to  concluct  ships,  loaded  witb  that  article,  into  the 
harbor.  Intimidated  by  these  proceedings,  thei  amktSaoB  of  the 
tea  ships,  bound  to  those  ports,  returned  with  their  cargoes  to 
Eng^bnd. 

6.  In  j^oston,  inflammatory  handbills  were  also  circulated, 
and  meetings  hdd ;  but  th^  consignees,  being  'mostly  relatives 
of  tlie  governor,  and  relying  on  his  support,  refused  to  decline 
their  appointments.  Their  refusal  enraged  the  citizens,  and 
tlie  community  became  agitated  by  the  operation  of  highty  ex 
cited  passions.  Meetings  were  more  frequently  helq.  The 
committees  of  correspondence  were  every  where  active.  The 
people  of  the  country  exhorted  thehr  brethren  in  Boston  to  act 
worthy  of  their  former  character,  worthy  pf  **  Sons  of  Liberty,^* 
upon  whose  conduct,  in  the  present  emergency,  every  thing 
depencied. 

7.  On  the  39th  of  iPfovember,  a  ship,  laden  vti^  tea,  came 
into  the  harbor.  Notifications  were  immediatelv  posted  up 
invitUig  every  friend  to  his  country  to  meet  forthwith  and  con- 
cert uSted  resistance  to  the  arbitrary  measures  of  Britidn.  A 
crowded  meeting  was  held,  and  a  resolution  adopted,  **  that 
the  tea  should  not  be  landed,  that  no  duty  should  be  paid,  and 
that  it  should  be  sent  baclc  in  the  same  vessel."  A  watch  was 
also  organized  to  prevent  it  from  being  secretly  brought  on 
shore.       vV!^''. 

8.  A  shorl  time  was  then  allowed  for  the  captain  to  prepare 
to  return  home  with  his  cai^.  Governor  Hutchinson  refused 
to  grant  hhn  the  requisite  permission  to  pass  the  castle.  Other 
vessels,  ladeta  with  tea,  amved.  The  agitation  increased,  and 
on  the  18th  of  December,  the  inhabitants  of  Boston  and  the 
adjohiing  towns  assembled  to  determine  what  courM  should  be 
pursued.  At  this  important  meeting,  Joslah  Quinov,  desirous 
that  the  consequences  of  tlie  measures  to  be  adopted  should  be 
first  seriously  contemplated,  thus  addressed  his  fellow  citizens. 

0.  <<  It  is  not,  Mr.  Moderator,  the  spirit  that  vapors  wiUiJn 
these  walls  that  will  sustabi  us  in  the  hour  of  need.  The  pro-> 
ceedings  of  this  day  will  call  forth  events  which  will  maxe  a 
very  diflerent  spirit  necessary  for  our  salvation.  Whoever 
supposes  that  shoirts  and  hosannas  will  tennbiate  \>ur  trials, 
entertains  a  childbh  ftuiCy.  We  must  be  grossly  Ignorant  ot' 
the  value  of  the  prize  for  which  we  contend ;  we  must  ht\ 
equally  ignorant  of  the  powei^  of  those  who  have  combined 
agahut  us ;  we  must  be  blind  to  that  inveterate  nalioe  and 
Insatiable  revenge  which  actuate  our  enemies,  abroad  and  in 
our  bosom,  to  hope  that  we  shall  end  this  controversy  without 
the  sharpest  conflicts— K)r  to  flatter  ounelves  ^at  popular  re- 


'i 


[vm. 

into  tbe 
OS  of  the 
irgoes  to 

irentatfld; 

o  decline 
sens,  and 

14.  The 
re.  The 
cm  to  act 
Liberty," 
ery  thing 

tea,  came 
losted  up 
and  con- 
itahi.  A 
sd,  "  that 
paid,  and 
(ratch  was 
ought  on 

0  prepare 
n  refused 
I.     Other 
ased,  and 
i  and  the 
should  bo 
,  desirous 
ihould  be 
citizens. 
ra  within 
The  pro- 
make  a 
Whoevef 
ur  trials, 
norunt  of 
must  b«^ 
lomblned 
dice  and 
I  and  in 
'  trithout 
wlar  re- 


1774.] 


REVOLUTION. 


188 


solves,  popular  harangues,  and  popular  acclamations,  will  van- 
quish our  foes.  Let  us  consider  tne  issue ;  let  us  loolc  to  the  end ; 
let  UB  weigh  and  deliberate,  before  we  advance  to  those  mea- 
sures wliich  must  bring  on  tibe  most  trying  and  terrible  struggle 
this  country  ever  saw." 

,  10.  In  the  evening  the  question  was  put, "  Do  you  abide  by 
your  former  resolution  to  prevent  the  landing  of  the  tea  1"  The 
vote  was  unanimous  in  the  affirmative.  Application  was  again 
made  to  the  governor  for  a  pass.  After  a  short  delay,  his  re- 
fusal was  communicated  to  the  assembly.  Instantly  a  person, 
disguised  liice  an  Indian,  gave  the  war  whoop  from  the  gallery. 
At  thifl  siffnal,  the  people  rushed  out  of  the  house  and  hastened 
to  the  wharves.  About  twenty  persons,  in  the  dress  of  Mo- 
hawks, boarded  the  vessels,  and,  protected  by  the  crowd  on 
shore,  broke  open^'three  hundred  and  forty-two  chests  of  tea 
and  emptied  their  contents  into  tlie  ocean.  Their  purpose 
accomplished,  the  multitude  returned  without  tumult  to  their 
habitations. 

'  11.  These  proceedings  excited  the  anger  of  parliament  and 
the  displeasure  of  the  British  nation.  Punishment,  not  a  change 
of  measures,  was  resolved  upon.  An  act,  closing  the  port  of 
Boston,  and  removing  the  custom  house  to  Salem,  .was  passed, 
and  was  to  continue  in  force  until  compensation  should  be  made 
for  the  tea  destroyed  ;  another  act  was  passed,  taking  from  the 
general  court  and  giving  to  the  crown  the  appointment  of  coun- 
sellors ;  and  general  Gage  was  made  governor  in  the  place  of 
Mr.  Hutchinson. 

12.  Intelligence  of  the  Boston  port  bill  occasioned  a  meeting 
of  the  citizens  of  the  town ;  they  were  sensible  that  "  the  most 
trying  and  terrible  struggle"  was  indeed  now  approaching,  but 
felt  unawed  by  its  terrors.  They  sought  not  to  shelter  them- 
selves from  the  storm  by  submission,  but  became  more  reso- 
lute as  it  increased,  lliey  declared  the  act  to  be  ui^just  and 
inhuman,  and  invited  their  brethren  in  the  other  colonies  to 
unite  with  them  in  a  general  non-importation  agreement 

18.  A  similar  spirit  pervaded  and  animated  the  whole  coun« 
tiT.  Addresses  from  ttie  ac^acent  towns,  and  from  ovory  part 
of  the  continent,  were  sent  to  the  citizens  of  Boston,  applaud- 
ing their  resolution,  exhorting  them  to  perseverance,  ana  asiur- 
ing  them  that  they  were  considered  as  suffering  In  a  common 
Ofune.  In  Vi<rginia,  the  first  day  of  June,  when  the  law  liegao 
to  operate,  wae  observed  as  a  publk  and  solemn  Out.  With 
devout  feelings,  the  divine  interpAion  was  implored,  in  all 
the  churches,  to  avert  the  evils  of  civil  war,  and  to  give  to  the 


M 


-^,-  *^.     ■  .-.  J|l- T, 


484 


itifiYonJtioN: 


lun. 


people  one  heart  and  one  mind,  firmly  to  oppose  every  invasion 
of  tneir  liberty. 

14.  The  same  day  was  observed,  with  rimilar  solemnity,, in 
most  of  the  odier  colonies ;  and  thus  an  opportunity  was  pre- 
sented to  the  ministers  of  the  gospel  to  diq»ense  political  hi- 
structicn,  to  paint,  in  vivid  colors,  the  sufTerinas  of  tlie  citizens 
of  Bos 'ion,  and  to  warn  their  congregations,  mat,  should  Great 
Britain  succeed  in  her  schemes,  the  danger  to  their  religious 
would  be  as  great  as  to  their  civil  privileges  ;  that  a  tame  sub- 
mission to  the  will  of  parliament,  would  inevitably  be  followed 
by  bishops,  tithes,  test  acts,  and  ecclesiastical  tribunals. 

15.  The  suflferiitts  of  the  inhabitants  of  Boston  were  indeed 
severe.  Nearly  aU  were  compelled  to  be  idle*  Many,  by 
loss  of  employment,  lost  their  sole  means  of  support.  In  this 
extremity,  contributions  in  money  and  provisions  were  for- 
warded to  them  from  all  the  colonies,  as  proofs  of  sympatiiy  in 
their  distresses,  and  of  approbation  of  their  having  met  and 
manftilly  withstood  the  first  shock  of  arbitrary  power. 

16.  OraduaUy  and  constantiy  had  the  minds  and  feelings 
of  the  Americans  been  preparing  for  this  important  crisis. 
That  enthusiastic  patriotism  which  ekrates  the  soul  above  all 
considerations  of  interest  or  danger  had  now  become  their  rul- 
ing passion.  The  inhabitants  of  Salem  spumed  advantages  to 
be  derived  firom  the  punishment  Inflicted  on  a  sister  town,  for 
Its  seal  in  a  sacred  and  common  cause.  **  We  must,*'  said 
they.  In  a  remonstrance  to  the  governor,  "  be  dead  to  every 
idea  of  justice,  lost  to  all  feeling  of  humanity ;  could  we  in- 
dulge one  thouriit,  to  seiie  on  wealthy  and  raise  our  fortunes 
firom  the  ruin  of  our  sufl'ering  neighbors." 

17.  In  June,  the  generu  court  assembled  at  Salem,  and 
among  their  first  acts  were,  the  recommendation  of  a  continental 
congress,  which  had  been  suggested  by  the  committee  of  corres* 
pondenee  in  Tli^ia,  and  toe  choice  of  delegates  to  attend  It. 
While  engamd,  with  closed  doors.  In  this  business,  governor 
Gage,  who  nad  reoelved  a  private  <ntimation  of  their  purposes, 
diaeohred  the  court  by  a  proclamation  which  was  read  upon  the 
steps.  In  all  the  other  colonies,  except  Georgia,  delegates 
were  also  chosen. 

18.  On  the  6th  of  September,  these  delegates  mat  at  Phila- 
delphia. Pevton  Ranoolph)  of  Virginia,  was  unanimously 
elected  presUnnt,  and  Oharies  Thompson,  secretary.  It  was 
deteimlned  that  each  odomudiould  have  but  one  vote,  whatever 
might  be  the  number  of  MMaputies,  and  that  all  their  traasao- 
tioBS,  except  such  as  they  might  raeolvt  to  publish,  should  be 
kept  inviolably  secret. 


1774.] 


REVOLUTION. 


135 


19.  Resolutions  were  tJien  adopted,  ex^Nressing  the  sympathy! 
of  eongresa  ia  the  sufferings  of  their  countrymen  in  Massachu- 
setts, and  highly  approving  the  wisdom  and  foititude  of  their 
conduct.  They  also  resolved  that  the  importation  of  goodi 
from  Oreat  Britdn  should  cease  on  the  first  day  of  the  succeed- 
ing December,  and  all  exports  to  that  country  on  the  10th  of 
September,  1776,  unless  American  grievances  should  be  sooner 
redressed.  These  resolutions  possessed  no  legal  force*  but  never 
were  laws  more  faithfully  observed. 

20.  In  other  resolutions,  they  enumerated  certidn  righti, 
which,  as  men  and  English  subjects,  "  they  claimed,  demanded, 
and  insisted  on ;"  and  recounted  numerous  violadons  of  those 
rights  by  parliament.  Addresses  to  the  people  of  Great  Britain, 
to  the  inhabitants  of  Canada,  and  to  their  constituents,  were  pre- 
pared and  published ;  and  an  affectionate  petition  to  the  king 
was  agreed  upon. 

,  21.  In  these  able  nnd  important  state  papers,  the  dalmtf 
principles,  and  feelings  of  their  constituents  are  clearly  and 
elocraently  set  forth.  They  glow  with  the  love  of  liberty,  they 
display  a  determination,  too  firm  to  be  shaken,  to  defend  and 
preserve  it  at  every  hazard  ;  they  contain  the  stroniiest  profess 
aions  of  attachment  to  the  mother  country,  and  of  loyslty  te 
the  king.  A  desire  of  independence  is  expressly  disavowed. 
'  **  Place  us,"  say  the  congress,  "  in  the  situation  we  were  in, 
•t  the  close  of  the  last  war,  and  our  former  harmony  wUl  be 
restored.'*  "We  ask,"  say  they  in  their  petition,  "but  for 
peace,  liberty,  and  safety.  We  wish  not  a  diminution  of  the 
prerogative,  nor  do  we  solicit  the  grant  of  any  new  right  in  our 
favor.  Your  royal  authority  over  us,  and  our  connexion  with 
Great  Britain,  we  shall  always  carefully  and  zealously  endeavor 
to  support  and  maintain." 

22.  These  papers,  going  forth  to  the  world,  made  the  cause 
of  the  colonies  known  throughout  Europe,  and  conciliated  those 
who  had  embraced  liberal  principles  in  politics,  or  felt  displea^ 
sure  at  the  pride  and  haugntiness  of  Britain.  Their  tone  of 
manly  energy,  and  the  knowledge  they  displayed  of  poUUcal 
science,  excited  universal  applause  and  admiration. 

28,  "  When  your  lordships,"  said  Mr.  Pitt,  \n  the  British 
senate,  "  have  perused  the  papers  transmitted  to  us  from  Ameri- 
ca ;  when  you  consider  the  aifrnity ,  the  finnness,  and  the  wisdom, 
with  which  the  Americans  have  acted,  you  cannot  but  respect 
their  cause.  History,  my  lords,  has  been  my  favorite  study ; 
»nd  in  the  celebrated  writings  of  antiquity  I  have  often  admlrad 
the  patriotism  of  Greece  and  Rome ;  nut.  my  lords,  I  must  de- 
oltre  and  avoW|  thpit  ia  (hi  matter  ■tdtes  of  th«  worid,  I  know  not 


186 


REVOLUTION. 


[1774. 


the  people  nor  the  senate,  who,  in  such  a  complication  of  diffi- 
cult circumstances,  can  stand  in  preference  to  the  ddegates  of 
America  assembled,  in  general  congress,  at  Fhiladelpbda.  I 
trust  that  it  is  obvious  to  your  lordships,  that  all  attempts  to  im- 
pose servitude  upon  such  men,  to  establish  despotism  over'  such 
a  mighty  conthiental  nation,  must  be  vain,  must  be  futile." 

24.  In  America,  the  proceedings  of  congress  were  read  with 
mthusiasm  and  veneration.  Their  reasonings  confirmed  the  con- 
viction, strongly  felt  by  nearly  the  whole  people,  of  the  perfect 
justice  of  their  cause.  In  tlie  address  to  themsc^es,  they  were 
admonished  **  to  extend  their  views  to  mournful  events,  and  to 
be  in  all  respects  prepared  for  every  contingency.**  Great  ef- 
forts were  consequently  made  to  provide  arms  and  all  the  muni- 
tions of  war.  Independent  companies  were  formed ;  voluntary 
trainings  were  freauent ;  the  old  ai> J  the  young,  the  rich  and 
the  poor  devoted  their  hours  of  amusement  and  of  leisure,  to  ex- 
ercises calculated  to  fit  them  to  act  a  part  in  the  anticipated  con- 
flict. The  country  was  alive  wiiii  the  bustie  of  preparation, 
and  in  every  countenance  could  be  read  the  expectation  of  im- 
portant transactions,  in  which  all  must  participate, 

25.  Complete  unajiimity,  however,  did  not  exist.  Some  of 
the  late  (^migrants  from  England,  the  most  of  those  who  held 
offices  by  her  appoincment,  many  whose  timidity  magnified 
her  power,  clung  to  her  authority,  and  as  the  crisis  approached, 
declared  themselves  her  adherents.  These  were  denomhiated 
tories ;  the  friends  ofiiberty,  whigs— names  by  which  the  ad- 
vocates of  arbitrary  power,  a:.id  the  friends  of  conatitutioBil 
libtrty,  were  distinguished  in  England. 

2t».  General  Gage,  who  had  been  recently  appointed  govern 
nor  of  Majsachusetts,  withdrew,  from  other  posts  on  the  eonti^ 
nent,  several  regiments  of  troops,  and  encamped  them  on  the 
common,  in  Boston.  He  afterwards  erected  fortifications  on  the 
Neck,  a  narro  7  isthmus  /hich  unites  the  town  with  the  main 
land ;  and  on  tiiti  night  of  the  first  of  September,  he  seized  the 
powder  deposited  hi  the  provincial  arsenal  at  Cambrf  Ige. 

27.  The  people,  meanwhile,  were  not  idle.  They  appointed 
delegates  to  a  provhicial  congress,  which  assembled  in  tiie  be- 
ginning of  October.  Mr.  Hancock  was  chosen  presldenl,  and 
tne  delegates  resolved,  that,^  for  the  defence  of  tiie  province,  a 
military  force)  to  consist  of  one  fourth  of  the  militia,  should  be 
organlised  and  stand  ready  to  march  at  a  minuted  warning ;  that 
money  should  be  raised  to  purchase  military  stores ;  and  they  ap- 
pointed a  committee  of  supplies,  and  a  committee  of  safety,  to 
sit  durliup  the  recess. 
,   86«  The  more  southern  provinces,  psrticularly  PenotylVaBlAi 


[1774. 

n  of  diffi. 
legates  of 
lelpbda.  I 
tpt8  to  im- 
over'  sMch 
tUe."      * 

read  with 
id  the  con- 
lie  perfect 
they  were 
itBf  and  to 
Great  ef- 
the  muni- 
voluntary 

rich  and 
ure,  to  ex- 
pated  con- 
eparation, 
on  of  im- 

Some  of 
who  held 
magnified 
proached, 
icmikiated 
h  the  ad- 
stitutioaal 

:ed  goverw 
the  eontii- 
m  on  the 
iiis  on  the 
the  main 
leized  the 

appointed 
I  me  be- 
ient,  and 
Dvince,  9 
hould  be 
ing ;  that 
I  Ihey  aj 
Mkfety 


1776.] 


REVOLUTIONARY  WAR. 


137 


ap- 
»  to 


lylViBlai 


Virginia,  and  Maryland,  displayed  the  same  love  of  liberty  and 
determination  to  resist ;  provincial  congresses  were  convened, 
committees  i^ppointed,  and  resolutions  passed,  de8ign<^  and 
adapted  to  animate  those  who,  in  Massachusetts,  stood  in  fhi  post 
of  danger,  and  to  excite  in  aU  liearts  that  deyotioa  to  country 
which  is  alone  capable  of  sustaining  a  people  in  sa  urdaooii 
struggle  with  a  superior  foe. 

29.  In  the  parliament  of  Great  Britain,  Ameriean  aflkiis 
came  on  to  be  discussed,  in  the  beginning  of  the  year  1775. 
Several  plans  of  conciliation  were  brousht  forvrard  by  tito  oppo- 
sition and  rejected ;  but  one,  proposed  by  lord  North,  die  prime 
minister,  was  adopted.  The  purport  of  it  was,  that  if  any  colo- 
ny would  engage  to  contribute  a  sum  satisfactory  to  his  fnijesty, 
for  the  common  defence,  the  parliament  would  forbear  to  tax 
that  colony,  so  long  as  the  contribution  was  punctually  paid. 
This  plan  conceded  nothing.  To  weaken  the  colonies  by  aivid- 
ing  them  was  so  evidenUy  the  object,  that  all  hidignantly  spumed 
the  proffered  terms. 

30.  In  connexion  with  thiti  conciliatory  proposition,  as  it  WW 
called,  measures  of  punishment  and  intimidation  were  adopted. 
The  northern  colonies  were  prohibited  Arom  fishUig  on  the  banla 
of  Newfoundland,  additional  restrictions  were  imposed  upon  the 
trade  of  all  of  them,  and  several  ships  of  the  line,  and  ten 
thousand  troops,  were;  "'*  t  to  America. 

31.  In  the  debates  in  p  >rliament,  the  friends  of  the  colonies, 
although  few,  were  animated  hi  their  praise  and  eloauent  in 
their  (rafence.  The  adherents  of  the  ministry  indulged  In  the 
grossest  abuse  and  ridicule.  The  Americans,  they  said,  were 
naturally  cowards,  habitually  laiy,  and  constitutionally  feeble ; 
they  were  incapable  of  discipline ;  anci  a  small  (oret  would  be 
sufficient  to  conquer  them.  This  ignorance  of  their  oharaeter, 
which  was  general  througtiout  England,  doubtless  caused  Uie 
ministry  to  persist  in  measures  which,  uad  their  information  been 
correct,  thev  would  never  have  ventured  to  undertake. 

89.  On  the  evening  of  the  18th  of  April,  general  Gage  des- 
patched Arom  Boston  a  body  o*  eight  hundred  troops,  to  destroy 
a  quantity  of  provisions  and  military  stores  deposited,  by  the 
committee  of  supplies,  at  Concord.  Intelliaence  of  this  move- 
nent  was  sent  to  Lexington  and  Concord  a  tew  hours  before  the 
troop.j  embarked.  The  ringing  uf  bells  and  the  firing  of  ibnal 
guns  brought  the  minute  men  together.  Early  the  next  morning, 
Uiose  of  Lexington  assembled  on  the  green  near  the  meeting- 
house. A  few  minutes  afterwards,  the  advanced  body  of  the 
regulars  approached  within  musket  shot.  Mijor  Flteafati, 
riding  forward,  exclaimed,  <*  Disperse,  you  rebeli,  throw  down 

'  Ma 


138 


REVOLUTIONARY  WAR. 


[1776. 


your  arms  and  disperse.'*  Not  being  instamtly  obeyed,  he  dis- 
charged Us  pistol  and  ordered  liis  men  to  fire.  They  fired  and 
kiUed  several.  Tlie  militia  dispersed  ;  but  the  firing  conthlued. 
in  the  whole,  eight  were  lolled^  some  of  whom  were  shot  in 
their  conceahnent  beliind  the  fences. 

33.  The  detachment  proceeded  to  Concord.  The  minute 
men  of  that  town  had  also  assembled ;  but,  being  few  hi  number, 
they  retired  on  the  approach  of  the  regulars.  These  entered 
the  town  and  destroyed  the  provisions  and  stores.  The  minute 
men  were  reinforced  and  advanced  a^in  towards  the  r^ularsi 
A  skinnish  ensued,  in  whiph  captain  Davis,  of  Acton,  was  killed. 
The  British  troops  were  compelled  to  retreat,  leaving  behind 
them  several  killed  and  wounded. 

84.  The  whole  country  was  now  hi  arms,  and  the  troops  re- 
treated with  precipitation.  The  militia  not  only  pressed  upon 
their  rear*  but  placed  themselves  singly  behmd  trees  and  stone 
%valls,  and,  from  these  secure  coverts,  fired  upon  them  as  they 
paosed.  At  Lei^ington  they  met  H  reinforcement  under  lord 
Percy,  which  genend  Gage  Imd  despatched  on  receiving  mforma- 
tion  of  the  occurrences  there  hi  the  morning. 

35.  After  resting  a  moment,  the  whole  body  proceeded  towards 
Boston.  In  their  progress  they  were  more  and  more  harassed 
by  tlie  provincials,  whose  number  hourly  increased,  and  who  be- 
came in  proportion  more  adventurous.  Havhig  an  inthnatc 
Imowledge  or  all  tibe  roads,  they  could  pursue  with  less  fatigue, 
and  meet  the  enemy  unexpectedly  at  the  various  windings ;  and 
being  all  experienced  marlcsmen,  their  shots  seldom  miled  of 
efleet.  At  sunset,  the  regulars,  almost  overcome  with  fatigue, 
passed  along  Charlestown  Neck,  and  found,  on  Bunker's  Hill, 
a  place  of  security  and  repose. 

86.  In  this  engajgfement,  sixty-five  of  the  royal  forces  were 
killed,  one  hundrecTand  eighty  wounded,  and  twenty-eiffht  made 
prisoners.  Of  the  provincials,  fifty  were  killed,  thirty-four  were 
wounded,  and  four  were  missing.  The  killed  were  lamented 
and  honored  as  the  first  martvrs  in  the  cause  of  liberty.  In  tlie 
various  sections  of  country  from  which  they  came,  hatred  of 
Great  Britain  took  still  deeper  root ;  ana  New-England,  con- 
nected more  than  any  other  p&rt  of  the  world,  as  one  great 
(Wnilv,  by  the  closest  intimacy  of  all  the  hihabitants,  universally 
felt  tne  deprivation  with  a  mixed  feeling  of  sorrow  and  rage. 

87.  Intelligence  of  the  battle  of  Lexington  spread  rapidly 
through  Massachusetts,  and  the  adjoining  provinces.  The 
farmer  left  his  plough  hi  the  flirrow,  the  mechanic  dropped  the 
uteosU  in  his  hand,  and  seizing  their  arms,  ail  hastened  to  tlie 
MvirQM  of  Boston*  In  n  few  days,  a  large  amy  was  asjembled) 


[1776. 

d,  he  dhr- 

finedand 

;ontirtued. 

e  shot  in 

le  Aiinute 
I  number, 
e  entered 
le  minute 
r^ularSi 
ma  killed. 
\g  behind 

troops  re- 
used upon 
md  stone 
I  as  they 
ider  lord 
'  informa- 

i  towards 

[harassed 

I  who  be- 

intimate 

fatigue, 

igs;  and 

failed  of 

fatigue, 

r»s  HUl, 

es  were 
;\\t  made 
)ur  were 
amented 
In  the 
atred  of 
td,  con- 
le  great 
versally 
rage, 
rapidly 
I.    The 

r4  the 
to  the 
embledi 


1775.] 


REVOLUTIONARY  WAR. 


139 


which,  under  the  command  of  general  Ward,  of  Massachusetts, 
and  general  Putnam,  of  Connecticut,  closely  invented  the  town, 
and  alarmed  general  6{ige  for  the  safety  of  his  garrison. 

38.  In  the  remoter  provinces,  the  intelligence  was  considered 
of  solemn  and  alarming  hnport.  The  great  drama  was  opened, 
and  the  part  which  each  should  take  must  immediately  be  chpsen. 
By  many  a  resort  to  arms  had  never  been  anticipated.  To  them, 
the  decision  was  more  painful ;  but  all  the  colonies,  except 
Geoi^a,  adopted  at  once  the  heroic  resolution  to  unite  theii* 
fortunes  with  those  of  New-Engl&nd. 

39.  Gonnectieut  had  poured  forth  her  full  proportion  of  hardy 
yeomanry  to  man  the  lines  around  Boston ;  but  several,  who  re- 
mained at  home,  conceived  the  project  of  surprising  TicoMlero- 
ga,  a  fortified  post  on  the  western  shore  of  lake  Champlain,  and 
commanding  tne  entrance  into  Canada.  They  communicated 
their  design  to  colonel  Ethan  Allen,  of  Vermont,  who,  upon 
their  arrival  at  Castleton  w>^\  fortj  men,  met  them  there  at  the 
head  of  two  hundred  and  thirty  Crreen  Mountain  boys.  The 
next  day,  captdn  Benedict  Arnold,  of  ConAecticut,  who,  upon 
the  first  alarm,  had  hastened  to  Boston,  ari  Ved  f.  om  that  place, 
having  conceived  the  same  project  and  been  authorized,  by  the 
committee  of  safety  in  Massachusetts,  to  undertake  it. 

40. '  Allen  and  Arnold,  at  the  head  of  the  Green  Mountain 
boys,  hastened  to  Ticonderoga,  and  the  remainder  of  the  party 
to  Skeensborough.  On  the  night  of  the  ninth  of  May,  about 
eighty,  all  that  we  boats  could  carry,  crossed  the  lake,  and,  at 
dawn  of  day,  landed  near  the  fortress.  They  advanced  to  the 
gateway.  A  sentinel  snapped  his  fusee  at  colonel  Allen  and  re- 
treated. The  Americans,  following,  found  tne  commander  in 
bed.  Colonel  Allen  demanded  the  surrender  of  the  fort.  **By 
what  authority  do  you  demand  it]"  *'In  the  name,"  replied 
Alien,  "  of  the  Great  Jehovah  and  the  Continental  Con^ss." 
The  British  officer,  having  but  fifty  men,  saw  that  resistance 
would  be  vain,  and  agreed  to  surrender, 

41.  When  the  remainder  of  the  party  arrived,  they  were  des- 
patched, under  colonel  Seth  Warner,  to  take  possession  of 
Crown  Point ;  and  Arnold,  hastily  manning  i  schooner,  sailed 
to  capture  a  sloop  of  war  lying  at  the  outlet  of  the  lake.  These 
two  expeditions,  as  well  as  that  against  Skeensborough,  were 
successful ;  and  thus  was  obtained,  without  bloodshed,  the  com- 
mand of  those  important  posts,  together  with  more  than  one 
hundred  pieces  ofcannon,  and  other  munitions  of  war.  The 
unexpected  news  of  this  brilliant  success  imparted  higher  dourage 
and  animation  to  the  Americans. 

4B«  Most  of  the  militia,  who  bad  repaired  to  Bostoni  return* 


140 


REVOLUTIONARY  WAR. 


ri76S. 


ed  soon  after  to  dieir  homes,  but  a  sufficient  number  remained, 
posted  near  the  Neck,  to  prevent  the  British  from  leaving  the 
town  by  land.  Between  detachments  ftY>m  these  and  parties 
of  regulars,  who  were  often  sent  to  collect  forage  en  the  islands 
in  the  harbor,  fi«quent  skirmishes  cook  pl6o6,  hi  most  of  which 
the  Americans  were  successful. 

43.  In  the  beghuung  of  June,  several  transports,  filled  with 
troops,  command^  by  generals  Howe,  Clinton,  and  Burgoyne, 
arrived  from  England,  and  general  Gage  began  to  act  with  more 
decision  and  vigor.  He  iasued  a  proclamation  declaring  those 
in  arms,  and  all  who  iuded  them,  rebeb  and  traitors,  and  threat- 
eneti  to  puiiish  them  as  such,  unless  they  immediately  returned 
to  liMr  peaceful  occupations.  He  promised  his  majesty's  par- 
don  to  m  who  should  in  this  manner  give  proof  of  their  repen- 
tance and  amendment,  excepting  Samuel  Adams  and  John  Han- 
cock, whose  crimes,  he  alleged,  were  too  flagitious  to  admit  of 
pardon. 

44.  This  proclamation,  and  the  arrival  of  the  troops,  far  from 
dismaying,  aroused  the  people  to  greater  activity  and  watchful- 
ness. Again  the  militia  assembled  and  surrounded  Boston. 
Unwilling  to  endure  the  inconvenience  and  disgrace  of  this  con- 
finement, general  Gbge  made  preparation  to  penetrate,  with  a 
portion  of  his  army,  kito  the  country.  To  prevent  this,  the 
provincial  generals  resolved  to  occupy  Bunker's  Hill,  an  enii- 
nence  in  Charl^own,  situated  on  a  peninsula  that  approaches 
near  to  Boston. 

45.  On  the  evening  of  the  16th  of  June,  a  thousand  men, 
under  the  command  of  colonel  Prescot,  of  Massachusetts,  Col. 
Stark  from  New-Hampshire,  and  eaptain  Knowlton,  from  Con- 
necticut, were  despatched  on  this  service.  They  were  conduct- 
ed, by  mistake,  to  Breed's  Hill,  \i  hich  was  nearer  to  the  water 
and  to  Boston,  than  Bunker's.  At  twelve  o'clock,  they  began  to 
throw  up  entrenchments,  and  by  dawn  of  day,  had  completed  a 
redoubt  eight  rods  square.  As  soon  as  they  were  discovered, 
they  were  fired  upon  from  a  ship  of  war  and  several  floating 
batteries  hring  near,  and  from  a  fortification  in  Boston  opposite 
the  redoubt  The  Americans,  nevertheless,  encouraged  by  gen- 
eral Putnam,  who  often  visited  them  on  the  hill,  continued  to 
labor  until  they  had  finished  a  slight  breastwork  extending  from 
the  redoubt  eastward  to  the  water.  And  In  the  mondng  they 
received  a  reinforcement  of  five  hundred  men. 

46.  The  temerity  of  the  provincials  astontohed  and  incensed 
mneral  Gage,  and  he  determined  to  drive  them  Immediately 
from  their  position.  About  noon,  a  body  of  three  Ihousanu 
ngulan,  commanded  by  general  Howe,  left  Boston  In  boats, 


ri768. 


1775. 


REVOLUTIONARY  WAR. 


141 


remained, 
eaving  the 
nd  parties 
the*^  islands 
t  of  which 

filled  with 
Burgoyne, 
with  move 
ring  those 
nd  threat- 
r  returned 
iaty*B  par- 
Bir  repen- 
ohn  Han- 
)  admit  of 

,  far  from 
watchful- 
Boston. 
'  this  con- 
ey with  a 
this,  the 
I  anenM- 
iproaches 

nd  men, 
etts,  Col. 
rom  Con- 
conduct- 
be  water 
began  to 
npleted  a 
■covered, 
floating 
opposite 
1  by  gen- 
inued  to 
ing  from 
Ing  they 

incensed 
lediately 
iiousand 
Q  boats 


and  landed  in  Charlestown,  at  the  extreme  point  of  the  peninsula^ 
Generals  Clinton  and  Bui^yne  took  the'  station  on  an  emi- 
nence in  Boston,  commanding  a  disthict  view  of  the  hill.  The 
spires  of  tthe  churches,the  roofs  of  ^iie  houses,  and  all  the  heists, 
in  the  neighborhood  were  covered  with  people,  waiting,  in 
dreadful  anxiety,  to  witness  the  approaching  battle. 

47.  The  regulars,  formmg  at  the  place  of  landhig,  marched 
elowly  up  the  hill,  halting  frequently  to  allow  time  to  tiie  artille* 
nr  to  demolish  the  works.  While  advancing,  tiie  village  of 
Charlestown,  containing  about  four  hundred  houses,  was  set  on 
fire  by  order  of  general  Gage.  The  flames  ascended  to  a  lofty 
height,  presenting  a  sublime  and  magnificent  spectacle.  The 
Americans  -3served  their  fire  until  tiie  British  were  within  ten 
rods  of  th/)  redoubt ;  then,  taking  a  steady  aim,  they  began  a  fu- 
rious discharge.  Entire  ranks  of  the  assailants  fell.  The  ene- 
my halted  and  returned  the  fire ;  but  that  from  the  redoubt  con* 
tinning  incessant  and  doing  great  execution,  they  retreated  in 
haste  and  disorder  down  the  hill,  some  even  takuig  refiige  in 
their  boats. 

48.  The  ofiicers  were  seen  runnhig  hither  and  thither,  col- 
lecthig,  arranging  and  addressing  their  men,  who  were  at  length 
induced  again  to  ascend  the  hill.  The  Americanti  now  reserved 
their  fire  until  the  enemy  had  approached  even  nearer  than  be- 
fore, when  a  tremendous  volley  was  at  once  poured  upon  them* 
Terrified  by  the  camase  around  them,  they  again  retreated  with 

firecipitation,  and  such  was  the  panic  that  geneinl  Howe  was 
eft  almost  alone  on  the  hill  side,  his  traops  having  deserted  him 
.  and  nearly  every  ofiicer  around  him  being  killed. 

49.  At  this  moment,  general  Clhiton,  who  had  observed  from 
Boston  the  progress  of  the  battie,  feelhig  that  British  honor  was 
at  stake,  hastened  with  a  reinforcement  to  the  assbtance  of  his 
countrymen.  By  his  exertions,  the  troops  were  a  tiiird  time 
rallied,  and  were  compelled  by  the  officers,  who  marched  behind 
them  with  drawn  swords,  to  advance  again  towards  the  Ameri- 
cans. The  fire  from  the  ships  and  batteries  wab  redoubled,  and 
a  few  pieces  of  cannon  had  been  so  placed  as  to  rake  the  inte- 
rior or  the  breast  work  from  end  to  end. 

t  60.  The  provincials,  having  expended  their  ammunition, 
awaited  in  silence  the  approach  of  the  regulars.  The  latter  enr 
tiered  the  redoubt.  The  former,  having  no  bayonets,  defended 
themselves,  for  a  short  time,  with  the  butt  end  of  their  muskets. 
From  this  unequal  Contest  tiiey  were  soon  eom})elled  to  retire. 
As  tiiey  retreated  over  Charlestown  Neck,  the  fire  from  the 
floAlhig  batteries  wm  Utcessant ;  but,  providentially,  a  few  only 


ii'WHiyBWPwiiiwi  |i.u  ■  wBawt*"***^ 


14S 


REVOLtrriONART  WAR. 


firys. 


in 


\ 


Wcape  killed.    The  enemy  had  sustmed  too  much  injiuy  to  tbhik 
oPpunuit. 

51.  In  this  despeiate  and  bloody  conflict,  the  royal  jforc^ 
consisted,  M  has  been  stated,  of  tlu^e  thousand  men,  and  the 
provincials  ot'  but  fifteen  hundi-ed.  Of  the  fonner,  one  thour 
sand  and  fifty-four  were  kiUed  and  wounded ;  of  the  latter,  four 
hundred  and  fi%-^ree.  This  disparity  of  loss,  the  steadiness 
and  bravery  di^layed  by  tfieir  recent,  undisciplined  levies,  oc- 
canoned  among  the  Americans  the  highest  exultation,  and,  in 
their  view,  more  than  counterbalanced  the  loss  of  position.  If 
ibis  ii  a  British  victory,  how  many  such  victories,  they  trium^ 
phantly  asked,  can  their  army  achieve  withcrat  ruin  ? 

52.  But  de^  and  heart-felt  sorrow  was  intermingled  with 
Aeir  rejoicings.  Among  tiie  killed,  was  doctor  Warren,  a  pa^ 
fcriot,  who,  at  an  early  period,  had  espoused  with  warmth  the 
canse  of  freedom ;  who  had  displayed  great  intrepicHty  in  seve*> 
ral  ricirmishes ;  had  four  days  before  been  elected  mi^or  gene- 
ral ;  and  had,  on  the  fatal  cUiy,  hastened  to  the  field  of  batde,  te 
serve  his  country  as  a  volunteer.  For  his  many  virtues,  his  ele- 
gant manners,  his  generous  devotion  to  his  country,  his  high  at- 
tainments in  political  science,  he  was  beloved  and  respected  by 
his  repubhcan  associates  ;  s»id  to  him  their  affections  pointed  as 
a  future  leader,  in  a  cause  dear  to  their  hearts,  and  ultimately 
connected  with  their  glory. 

5>8w  In  tile  midst  of  these  military  transactions,  a  continental 
congress  assembled  at  Pluladdlphia.  It  comprised  delegates 
from  twelve  colonies,  all  of  whom  were  animated  with  a  deter- 
mined spirit  of  oppositi<m  to  parliamentary  taxaticm.  A  majori* 
ty,  however,  had  not  yet  formed  the  hardy  resolution  to  separate 
from  the  mother  country,  and  aim  at  hidependence.  The  mea* 
■ures  partook  of  the  opposite  feelings  of  the  members.  Mr. 
Hancock,  the  proscribed  patriot,  was  chosen  president ;  they 
resohred  that  another  humble  petition  for  redress  of  grievances, 
should  be  presented  to  the  king ;  but  tliey  also  resolved  that 
means  of  defence  should  be  immediately  prepared,  and  proceed- 
ed to  the  choice  of  officers  to  command  their  united  forces. 

54.  To  induce  the  friends  of  liberty  in  the  southern  provbces, 
to  embark  more  waitnly  in  the  cause  of  resistance,  the  northern 
delegates  determined  to  give  their  suffrages,  for  a  commander- 
in-chief,  to  a  person  residing  in  that  quarter.  Fortunately,  one 
was  found  eminently  qualified  for  the  office.  By  imanimouB 
vote  of  the  congress,  Gborgb  WashinotoiI,  then  present  «§  de- 
legate from  \irginla,  was  elected.  He  had  seived  with  high 
|«{Hit«tioB,  in  the  late  war  with  France ;  wa&  distinguishefi  In 


ins.] 


MVOWmONARY  WAR. 


143' 


his  native  province  for  his  n^itary  knowledge,  his  great  wealth/ 
the  dignity  of  ius  deportment,  his  unsuspected  integrity,  and  hit ' 
anient  attachment  to  the  hiterests  of  his  country* 

55.  Tile  president,  addresi^ng  him  m  ids  seat,  announced  to 
him  the  choice  which  the  congress  l»d  made.  Washington  de- 
dared  his  acceptance  with  a  dmidence  which  gave  to  his  great 
talents  a  brighter  lustre;  and  assured  congress  thi^,  as  no 
pecuniary  comp^raatron  could  have  tempted  him  to  accept 
ttie  office,  at  the  sacrifice  of  his  dimiestic  ease  and  h^pi<* 
ness,  he  would  receive  no  pay,  and  would  ask  only  the  remune- 
ration of  his  expenses.  Artemas  Ward,  Charles  Lee,  Philip 
Schuviw,  and  Israel  Putnam,  were  then  chosen  major  generals, 
and  Horatio  Gates  adjutai^  general.  Lee  had  Is^ly  held  the 
office  of  colonel,  and  Gates  that  of  major,  in  the  Bri^h  army. 

66.  Congress  also  resolved  that,  for  defraying  the  expenses 
which  might  be  incurred,  bills  of  credit,  or  paper  money,  to  the 
amount  of  threo  millions  of  dollars,  should  be  issued,  and  pledged 
the  colonies  for  ^iieir  redemption.  A  solemn  and  dignified  de^ 
daration,  settmg  forth  the  causes  and  necessity  of  taking  up 
arms,  was  prepared  to  ^e  published  to  the  army  in  orders,  and 
to  the  people  from  the  pulpit.  After  particularizing  the  aggres- 
sions c^  Great  Britaui,  wiUoi  the  energy  of  men  feeling  unmerited 
injury,  they  exclaim : 

57.  '^  But  why  should  we  enumerate  our  injuries  in  detail?  By 
one  statute  it  is  declared  that  parliunent  can  of  right  make  laws 
to  bind  us  in  all  cases  whatsoever.  What  is  to  defend  us  against 
so  enormous,  so  unlimited  a  power  ?  Not  a  single  man  of  those 
who  assume  it,  was  chosen  by  us,  or  is  subject  to  our  control  or 
influence ;  but,  on  the  contrary,  they  are  all  of  them  exempt 
from  the  operation  of  such  laws,  and  an  American  revenue,  if 
not  diverted  from  the  ostensible  purposes  for  which  it  is  raised, 
would  actuidly  Ikrhten  thdr  own  burdens,  hi  proportion  as  it 
increases  ours.  We  saw  the  misery  to  which  such  despotism 
would  reduce  us.  We,  for  ten  years,  incessantly  and  ineflec« 
tusdly  besieged  the  throne  as  supplicants ;  we  reasoned,  we  re> 
monstrated  with  pariiament  in  the  most  mild  and  decent  Iwol^ 
#^aage. 

58.  **  We  are  now  reduced  to  the  ahemative  of  choosing  an 
unconditional  submission  to  the  will  of  irritated  ministers,  or  n* 
sistance  by  force.  The  latter  is  our  dioice.  We  have  counted 
the  cost  of  this  contest,  and  find  nothing  so  dreadful  as  voluntary 
slavery.  Honor,  justice,  and  humanity  fori>id  us  tamdy  to  bw>- 
reiid«r  ^t  fireedom  which  we  received  flrom  our  gallant  anoea- 
ton,  and  which  our  innocent  posterity  have  a  right  to  receive 
from  us.    We  cannot  endure  the  hiAuny  and  guilt  of  resigning 


144 


REVOLUTIONARY  WAR; 


[1776 


succeeding  generations  to  that  wretchedness  which  inevitably 
awaits  them  if  we  basely  entail  hereditary  bondage  upon  them. 

59.  "  Our  cause  is  just ;  our  union  is  perfect.  Our  internal 
resources  are  great;  and,  if  necessary,  foreign  assistance  is  un- 
doubtedly attainable.  We  gratefully  acknowledge,  as  a  signal 
instance  of  the  divine  favor  towards  us,  that  his  providence  would 
not  permit  us  to  be  called  into  this  severe  controversy,  until  we 
were  grown  up  to  our  present  strength,  had  been  previously  ex- 
ercised in  warlike  operations,  and  possessed  the  means  of  de- 
fending ourselves,  vhf^^.}'     w         •;  >v 

60.  "  With  hearts  fortified  by  these  animating  reflections,  we 
most  solemnly,  before  God  and  the  world,  declare,  that  exert- 
ii^  the  utmost  energy  of  those  powers,  which  our  beneficent 
Creator  hath  graciously  bestowed,  the  arms  we  have  been  com- 
pelled by  our  enemies  to  assume,  we  will,  in  defiance  of  every 
hazard,  with  unabating  firmness  and  perseverance,  employ  for 
the  preservation  of  our  liberties,  being,  with  one  mind,  resolved 
to  die  freemen  rather  than  to  live  slaves." 

61.  Soon  after  his  election,  general  Wae^ington,  accompa- 
nied by  general  Lee,  and  several  other  gentlemen,  set  out  for 
the  camp  at  Cambridge.  In  every  place  through  which  he 
passed,  he  received  the  highest  honors.  A  committee  from  the 
provincial  congress  of  Massachusetts,  met  hun  at  Springfield, 
and  conducted  him  to  head-quarters,  where  an  other  committee 
presented  him  a  respectful  and  afiectionate  address. 

62.  He  found  the  army,  consisting  of  fourteen  thousand  men, 
posted  on  the  heights  around  Boston,  forming  a  line  which  ex- 
tended from  Roxbury  on  the  right,  to  the  river  Mystic  on  the 
left,  a  distance  of  twelve  miles.  The  troops  were  ardently  de- 
voted to  the  cause  of  liberty,  but  destitute  of  discipline,  averse  to 
subordination,  without  powder,  without  tents,  and  without  most 
of  the  conveniences  usually  provided  for  regular  armies. 

63.  With  the  assistance  of  general  Gates,  he  introduced  some 
degree  of  regularity  and  system.  Several  barrels  of  powder 
were  obtained  from  New-Jersey,  and  captsdn  Manly,  comman- 
der of  the  privateer,  Lee,  captured  an  ordnance  ship,  containing 
arms,  ammunition,  and  a  complete  assortment  of  such  working 
tools  as  were  most  needed  in  the  American  camp.  This  provi- 
dential capture  was  followed  by  others  which  supplied  the  most 
pressing  wants  of  the  army,  enabled  it  to  continue,  through  the 
year,  the  blockade  of  Boston,  and  contributed  greatly  to  distress 
the  enemy,  for  whose  use  the  cargoes  were  destined. 

64.  Events  oocurrhig  this  year,  in  the  southern  colonies,  still 
f(Uther  weakened  the  attachment  of  the  pe(^le  to  Great  Britain. 
In  Virginia,  liord  Dunmora,Uie  governor,  seized  by  night,  some 


■•f 


[1776 

;  inevitably 
lon  them, 
ur  internal 
euice  is  un- 
as  a  signal 
ence  would 
jr,  until  we 
viously  ex- 
sans  of  de- 

ections,  we 
that  exert- 
:  beneficent 
been  corn- 
ice of  every 
employ  for 
id,  resolved 

,  accompa- 
set  out  for 
1  which  he 
ee  from  the 
Springfield, 
[>  committee 

usand  men, 
!  which  ex- 
rstic  on  the 
urdendy  de- 
e,  averse  to 
without  most 
ies. 

duced  some 
of  powder 
,  comman- 
containing 
h  working 
This  provi- 
Bd  the  most 
through  the 
to  distress 

loniet,  stUl 
eat  Britain, 
night,  some 


1776.] 


EEVOLUTIONARY  WAR. 


145 


Sowder  belonging  to  the  cobny,  and  conveyed  it  on  board  a 
Eritish  shup  in  James  river.  Intelligence  of  this  transaction 
reaching  Patrick  tienry,  he  placed  himself  at  the  head  of  the 
indepei^ent  companies  in  his  vicinity,  an4  marched  towsu^  the 
seat  of  government,  with  the  avowed  puipose  of  obtaining,  by 
force,  restitution  of  the  powder,  or  its  vsdue.  He  was  met  by  a 
messenger,  who  paid  him  the  value  of  the  powder,  when  he  and 
the  militia  returned  to  their  homes. 

66.  Alarmed  by  this  display  of  spirit  and  patriotism,  loni 
Dunmore  fortified  his  palace.  From  this  castle,  he  issued  a 
proclamation  chargmg  Henry  and  his  associates  with  rebellious 
practices,  which  dflended  the  people,  who  highly  approved  their 
conduct.  Other  causes  increasing  the  popular  ferment,  he 
quitted  his  palace,  and  repaired  to  a  ship  of  war  then  lying  at 
Yorktown. 

66.  In  November,  he  issued  another  prodamation^  offering 
freedom  to  those  slaves  belonging  to  rebel  masters,  whio  should 
join  his  majesty's  troops  at  Yorktown.  Several  hundred,  in  con* 
sequence,  repaired  to  that  place.  A  body  of  militia  immediately 
assembled,  and,  while  posted  near  the  city,  were  attacked,  with 
great  bravery,  by  the  regulars,  ro}raIists,  and  negroes.  The 
militia,  repelling  the  attack  with  equal  bravery,  gained  a  decisive 
victory.  Lord  Dunmore  then  evacuated  the  city,  and,  followed 
by  his  white  and  black  forces,  sought  refuge  on  board  the  ships 
of  his  majesty.  Soon  after,  Norfolk,  set  on  fire  by  his  order, 
\vaa  mostly  consumed,  and  its  destruction  was  completed  by  the- 
provinciak,  to  prevent  the  enemy  from  deriving  supplies  from 
that  quarter* 

.67.  The  governor  of  North  Carolina,  following  tibe  example 
of  lord  Dunmore,  fortified  his  palace  at  Newbem.  This  caused 
a  commotion  among  the  people,  which  hiduced  him  to  retire  on 
board  a  ship  in  the  harbor.  "While  there,  he  made  zealous  ex- 
ertions to  organize  a  party  in  favor  of  ^e  royal  cause ;  and  a 
band  of  Scotch  Hignlanders,  settled  in  the  interior  country, 
listened  to  his  persuasions*  On  their  march  to  the  sea  coast, 
they  were  met  by  a  party  of  militia,  who  attacked  and  dispersed 
them.  This  early  victory  secured  the  pr^ominance  of  the 
whigs,  and  crushed  the  hopes  and  spirits  of  the  tories. 

68.  South  Carolina  had  always,  with  great  unanimity  and 
steal,  resisted  parliamefitary  taxation ;  and  soon  afler  the  battie 
of  Lexington,  the  governor,  lord  WUUam  Campbell,  i^prehen^ 
sive  of  danger  to  his  person,  retired  from  the  province.  In  July, 
Georgia  chose  delegates  to  the  continental  congress,  increasiu^- 
to  THIRTEEN  the  number  of  the  united  colonies. 

69.  The  province  of  N(B.iy"York  contained  many  waim  advo- 


146 


KETOLTTTIONART  WAR. 


[IWfi. 


cates  for  freedom ;  but  its  capital  had  vo  long  been  ttie  head^ 
quarten  of  the  Britidi  army  in  Ameriea,  tluit  many  of  the  princi- 
pal inhabitants,  having  contracted  intimate  relations  WiUi  tfritish 
officers,  had  become  devoted  to  the  royal  cause.  Tlie  assembly, 
acting  under  their  influence,  declined  to  choose  delegates  to  the 
continental  congress  lield  in  May,  1776;  but  the  people,  a 
majority  of  whom  were  actuated  by  diflerent  feelfaigs,  elected  a 
pro^ncial  congress,  by  whom  those  delegates  were  chosen. 

70.  When  intelligence  of  the  battle  of  Lexington  reached  the 
nity,  captain  Sears,  an  active  and  intrepid  leader  of  the  **sons  of 
liberty,**  toolc  effectual  measures  to  prevent  vessels  bound  to 
ports  in  America,  where  the  royal  cause  prevailed,  from  siting. 
An  association  was  also  formed,  consisting  of  one  thousand  of 
the  principal  inhabitants,  who  bound  themselves  to  assist  in  car* 
lying  into  execution  whatever  measure  might  be  recommended, 
l^  the  Continental  congress,  to  prevent  the  execution  of  the  op- 
pressive acts  of  the  British  parUam3nt. 

71.  The  ministry,  desirous  of  retaining  in  obedience  this  im-' 
portant  colony,  wpointed  Mr.'  Tryon,  to  be  governor  over  it. 
He  had  before  filled  the  same  office ;  vras  a  man  of  address,  and 
a^rcatly  beloved  by  the  people.  He  came  fully  empowered  te 
^n  adherents  by  dispensing  promises  aiid  money  at  his  dlscre* 
tlon.  The  success  of  his  intrigues  alarmed  congress,  who,  faar- 
inff  particular  reference  to  him,  recommended  that  **  all  persons 
whose  ffoing  at  large  might  endanger  the  liberties  of  America, 
should  be  arrested  and  secured."  Gaining  eariy  intelligence  of 
this,  he  also  sought  reibge  on  b  Jfcr^'  a  ship  in  the  harbor.         '^ 

72.  Althou^  the  autumn  of  1775  was  not  distinguished  by 
any  brilliant  exploit,  yet  the  time  of  congress  and  of  the  com- 
mander^in-chier,  was  not  unprofitidtly  employed.  Constant  at* 
tentlon  was  paid  to  the  discipline  of  the  troops  $  arrangements 
\vere  made  to  obtain  a  supply  of  military  stores  j  the  building  and 
equipment  of  a  naval  force  wtt  commenced }  two  expeditions 
were  organised  and  despatched  agabist  Canada,  one  by  the  way 
of  lake  Chamnlain,  the  other  of  the  river  Kennebeclc;  and 
general  Lee,  with  twelve  hundred  volunteers  from  Connecticut, 
was  directed  to  proceed  to  New- York,  and,  with  the  aid  of  the 
inhabitants,  fortiiy  the  cltr  and  the  highlands. 

73.  The  abolition  of  all  legal  authority  In  the  colonies  was  an 
ovil  for  which,  though  less  than  had  been  antlcip«ted,  it  was  yet 
expedient  to  provide  a  remedv.  New-Hampshire  applied  to 
congress  for  advice  on  this  subjeet.  A  favorable  oppiortunlty 
was  thus  proeented  to  the  lealous  patriots  in  congress,  to  pro* 
nose  a  remedy  for  the  evil,  which  shouki,  at  the  same  time»  ex* 
hibit  in  prtotioe.the  ftindunental  prlndphi  of  thilr  poUtieal  cn^A^ 


1775.] 


REVOLUTIONARr  WAR. 


147 


that  all  leffitimatQ  authority  must  be  derived  from  the  people ; 
and  should  also  prapare  die  way  for  their  darling  object,  a  de- 
claration of  independence. 

,  74.  A  resolution  was  introduced,  recommending  that  a  con- 
vention of  representatives,  finely  elected  bv  the  people  of  that 
colony,  should  be  called,  for  the  purpose  of  establishing  such  a 
form  of  government  as  they  mig^t  deem  proper.  It  was  warm- 
ly opposed  by  those  members  who  were  yet  deshrous  of  an  ac- 
conunodation  with  the  mother  country.  An  amendment  being 
made,  providing  that  the  government  established  should  con« 
tinue  in  force  no  longer  wan  the  existing  contest  with  Great 
Britain,  the  resolution  passed.  Representatives  were  accord- 
ingly chosen,  who,  on  the  6th  of  January,  1776,  adopted  a  writ- 
ten constitution,  aclmowledging  no  source  of  power  but  the 
people^  In  other  colonies,  the  same  course  was  soon  afterwards 
pursued.^ 

76.  A*  Iraasaction,  displaying  the  vindictive  feelings  of  the 
British,  occurred  in  October.  The  ministry  had  issued  orders 
to  the  officers  of  the  navy  to  proceed,  as  hi  the  case  of  actual 
rebeUion,  against  all  the  colonial  seaports  accessible  to  ship^  of 
war,  which  should  discover  symptoms  of  attachment  to  the  cause 
of  liberty.  Falmouth,  a  flourishing  town  hi  Massacliusettci^ 
having  given  some  particular  offence,  its  destruction,  under  color 
of  these  orders,  was  resolved  on,  and  captain  Mowatt,  with  four 
ships,  was  despatched  on  that  service. 

76.  The  citiEcns  made  an  effort,  by  negotiation,  to  avert  their 
ruin ;  but  as  the  terms  which  were  oifered  could  not  be  accept- 
ed without  dishonor,  they  were  at  onoe  rajected.  The  bom- 
bardment immediately  commenced,  the  town  was  set  on  fire, 
and  four  hundred  buildings  reduced  to  ashes.  This  wanton  act 
of  devastation  was  strongly  reprobated  throughout  America, 
and  served  to  Inflame,  rather  than  to  hitimidate,  the  people. 
Tiie  town  has  since  been  rebuilt,  its  name  changed  to  Portland, 
and  it  is  now  the  capital  of  Maine. 

77.  As  the  vear  1776  drew  near  to  a  close,  the  condition  of 
tlie  army,  employed  In  the  bloclcade  of  Boston,  engaged  the  at- 
tention of  congress.  A  speedy  ac^ustment  of  the  dbpute  behiff 
at  first  expected,  the  men  Imd  been  enlisted  to  serve  only  untU 
the  first  or  January.  No  prospect  now  appeared  of  an  imme- 
diate accommodation.  It  was  therefore  resolved  to  form  a 
new  army,  to  consist  of  twenty  thousand  men,  and  to  be  raised, 
as  far  as  practicable,  from  the  troops  then  in  service.  Unfor- 
tunately it  was  determined,  that  the  enlistments  should  be  made 
for  one  year  only,  an  error  the  consequences  of  which  were  af- 
terwards ytrj  HfMfAf  felt. 


148 


REVOLtTIONARY  WAR. 


[1776. 


1  V 


78.  It  was  supposed  that  most  of  thode  whom  patriotism  hod 
impelled  to  join  the  army,  would  continue  in  the  service  of  their 
country ;  but  when  the  experiment  was  made,  it  was  found  that 
their  ardor  had  considerabnr  abated.  The  blockade  of  Boston 
presented  no  opportunity  of  aoauiring  glory,  by  deeds  of  noble 
daring ;  the  fktiguing  dutiei^  of  tne  camp  wore  upon  their  sphrits, 
affected  their  health,  and  produced  an  unconquerable  longing  to 
revisit  their  homes.  Notwithstanding  the  great  exertions  of 
general  Washington,  no  more  than  half  the  estimated  number 
had  been  enlisted  at  Uie  close  of  the  year, 

79.  The  people  and  the  troops,  supposing  the  army  to  be 
stronger  than  it  wta,  expressed  great  dissatisfaction  afc  ^e  inac- 
tivity of  the  commander-in-chief,  which  some  imputed  to  dis- 
honorable motives.  An  attach:  upon  Boston  was  loudly  de- 
manded. Washington  three  times  proposed  it  to  a  council  of 
war ;  but  in  every  instance  the  decision  was  unanimougi  against 
it.  At  the  last  time,  however,  the  council  recommended  that 
the  town  should  be  more  closely  hivested.  On  the  evening  of 
the  fourth  of  March,  1776,  the  attention  of  the  enemy  being 
diverted,  by  a  brisk  cannonade,  to  a  different  quarter,  a  party  of 
troops,  under  the  command  of  general  Thomas,  took  possessioni 
in  silence,  of  Dorchester  heights,  and  with  almost  incredible  in 
dustry,  erected,  before  morning,  a  line  of  fortifications  which 
commanded  the  harbor  and  the  town. 

80.  The  view  of  these  works,  raised  like  an  exhalation  from 
the  earth,  excited  the  astonishment  of  general  Howe,  who,  on 
the  resiffnation  of  general  Gage,  had  been  appointed  comman- 
der-in-chief. He  saw  that  hti  must  immeaiately  dislodge  the 
Americans  or  evacuate  the  town.  The  next  day  he  ordered 
3000  men  to  embark  in  boats  and  proceeded,  by  way  of  Castle 
Island,  to  attack  the  works  on  the  heights.  A  furious  storm 
dispersed  them  ;  the  fortifications,  in  tho  mean  time,  were  ren-> 
dered  too  strong  to  be  forced  ;  and  general  Howe  was  com- 
pelled to  seek  safety  in  an  immediate  departure  from  Boston. 

81.  Of  the  determination  of  the  enemy  to  evacuate  the  town, 
general  Washington  was  soon  apprized.  The  event  being  cer- 
tain, he  dlH  not  wish  by  an  attack  to  hasten  it,  as  the  fortifica- 
tions at  New-York,  to  which  place  he  presumed  they  would 
repair,  were  not  \n  sufficient  forwardness  to  protect  it.  The 
embarkation  was  made  on  the  17tii  of  March  ;  a  fbw  days  afUr, 
the  whole  fleet  set  snil,  and  the  American  army  hastened,  by 
divisions,  to  New-Yoric. 

89.  The  acauision  of  this  important  town  occasioned  great 
and  general  rejoicing.  Tho  thanlcs  of  conitress  wore  voted  to 
general  Washington  and  his  troops,  fojr  their  wise  and  spirited 


1776.] 


REVOLUTIONARY  WAR. 


149 


conduct)  and  a  medal  of  gold  was  ordered  to  be  struck  in  com- 
mtmoratiou  of  the  event.  The  British  fleet,  instead  of  convey- 
ing the  troops  to  New-Yoric,  steered  for  Halifax,  having  on 
board  a  large  number  of  tories  €»nd  their  baggage. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 


EXPEDITION  AGAINST  CANADA. 


IT  has  been  already  stated,  that  two  ejcpeditions  were  des- 
patched against  Onnada.  The  command  of  that,  which  was  to 
proceed  by  wa>  :'^  Chaimnlfldn,  was  given  to  general  Schuy- 
ler of  New-York  \e  number  of  troops  to  be  employed  vrw 
fixed  at  three  thousand,  and  they  were  to  be  drawn  trom  New- 
York  and  New~England.  Governor  Carleton,  gtdning  intelli- 
gence of  the  project,  despatched  about  eight  hundred  men  to 
strengthen  the  worlcs  at  St.  Johns,  on  the  river  Sorel,  a  position 
commanding  the  usual  entrance  into  Canada. 

2.  Brigadier  general  Montgomery,  a  young  officer  of  brilliant 
talents,  and  ambitious  of  glory,  was  ordered  to  proceed  hi  ad- 
vance, with  the  troopp,  then  In  readiness,  and  attack  this  impor- 
tant position,  before  it  had  been  made  too  strong  to  be  taken. 
When  commencing  hia  career,  the  glory  and  fate  of  Wolfe  were 
present  to  his  thoughts,  and  to  his  wife  his  partbig  words  were, 
«  you  shall  never  blush  for  your  Montffomery.*'  General 
Schuyler  soon  followed,  and  on  arriving  at  Isle  aux  Noix,  In  tho 
vicinity  of  the  British  works,  he  addressed  a  proclamation  to  thr 
Canadians,  exhorting  them  to  join  their  brethren  in  the  cau^e  of 
freedom,  and  declaring  that  the  American  army  came  as  frlendfi 
of  tho  inhabitants,  and  as  enemies  only  of  the  Britisli  garrisons. 

8.  The  fortification  at  St.  Johns  being  found  stronger  than 
was  anticipated,  general  Schuyler  returned  to  Albany  to  hasten 
the  departure  of  the  remaining  troops,  artlUer}\  and  munitions  of 
war.  He  was  prevented,  by  a  severe  illness,  flrom  again  joining 
the  urmv,  and  the  chief  command  devolved  upon  IM^ntgomery. 
On  receiving  a  reinforcement,  he  Invested  St.  Johns :  but  being- 
yet  almost  destitute  of  battering  eannon  and  of  powder,  he  mad(« 
no  progress  In  the  siege.  And  the  soldiers,  oarnrlng  with  Uiem 
into  the  field  that  attachment  to  liberty  and  equanty  which  gavA 


150 


REVOLUTIONARY  WAR. 


[1776. 


birth  to  the  cont  <,  displayed  such  utter  aversion  to  discipluis 
and  subordlnatioa  as  increased,  in  a  gi*eat  degree,  his  difficulties 
and  verations. 

4.  Colonel  Allen,  .  hero  of  Ticonderogr^  had  a  command 
under  Montgomery.  daving  been  despatched,  with  major 
Brown,  into  the  intc  .*  of  Canoda,  he  was,  on  his  return,  per- 
suaded by  the  latter  to  undertake  the  rash  project  of  attacking 
Montreal.  He  divided  hb  detachment,  consisiiing  of  ^ess  than 
three  hundred  men,,  into  two  parties,  intending  to  assr.d  the  city 
at  opposite  points.  Miyor  Brown  was  prevented  from  executing 
his  part  of  tne  enterprise.  Colonel  Allen  and  his  small  party, 
opposed  by  the  whole  force  of  the  enemy  under  governor  Carle- 
ton,  fought  with  desperate  valor.  Many  were  killed ;  the  sur- 
vivera,  overpowered  by  numbers,  were  compelled  to  surrender. 
The  governor,  viewing  Allen,  not  as  the  intrepid  soldier,  but  as 
a  factious  rebel,  loaded  hhn  with  hx>us  and  sent  him  to  England 
for  trial. 

5.  On  the  18th  of  October,  a  fortunate  event  brightened  the 
prospects  of  the  Americans.  Fort  Chamblee,  situated  several 
miles  north  of  St.  Johns,  was  supposed  to  be  beyond  their  reach, 
and  was  but  slightly  guarded.  A  detachment  under  majors 
Brown  and  Livinffston,  attacking  it  unexpectedly,  gained  posses- 
sion of  it  with  litHe  loss.  Several  pieces  of  cannon,  and  120 
carrels  of  powder,  were  the  fruits  of  tlie  victory.  The  Ameri- 
cans, encouraged  by  success,  inunodiatelv,  in  defiance  of  the 
continual  fire  of  the  onemy,  erected  a  battery  near  fort  St, 
John's,  and  made  preparations  for  a  severe  cannonade,  and  an 
<v98ault.  If  necessary. 

6.  At  this  juncture,  Montgomery  received  intelligence  of  an 
notion  between  governor  Caneton  and  a  hody  of  Green  Moun- 
tain boys  commanded  by  colonel  Warner.  The  former,  elated 
by  his  victory  over  Allen,  collected  about  eight  hundred  regulars, 
militia  and  Indians,  with  the  view  of  raising  the  siege  of  St. 
John's.  In  full  confidence  of  success,  they  led  Montreal,  em- 
barked In  boats,  and  proceeded  towards  the  southern  shore  of  the 
St.  Lawrence.  In  tne  bushes  at  the  water's  edge  colonel  War- 
ner, having  received  Information  o;  their  purpose,  concealed 
th^ree  hundred  men,  who,  when  the  enemy  approached  the  shore, 
poured  upon  them  a  fire  so  unexpected  and  destructive,  that  the 
(lotiUa  returned,  hi  confusion,  to  Montreal. 

7.  On  the  first  of  November,  Montgomery  commenced  a 
heavy  cinnonr:de  of  the  enemv's  works,  which  was  continued 
through  the  day.  In  the  evening,  he  sent  to  the  British  com- 
mander, by  one  of  ffovernor  Carleton's  men,  who  had  been  made 
prbont r  by  coloael  Wtu'aer,  hit^Ulfence  of  the  governor'!  de<* 


1776.] 


REVOLUTIONARY  WAR. 


151 


fcsat,  and  demanded  the  surrender  of  the  fort.  .  It  was  accordr 
ingly  surrendered)  and  the  next  morning  entered  by  the  Ameri' 
can  troops. 

8.  Montgomery  hastened  to  Montreal,  and,  at  the  same  time, 
despatched  down  the  Sorel,  the  mouth  of  which  is  below  that 
city,  a  naval  force  to  prevent  the  escape  of  the  British  to  Quebec. 
Governor  Carleton,  believing  the  city  not  tenable,  quitted  it  in 
the  night,  and,  in  a  boat  with  muffled  oars,  w«i  conveyed  through 
the  American  squadron.  The  next  day,  general  Montgomery 
entered  the  city,  and  although  no  terms  were  granted  to  the  in- 
habitants, he  treated  tiieni  with  the  kindness  of  a  fellow  citizen, 

declarhiff  that  the  property,  ri^ts,  and  religion  of  every  indiv'  • 
dual  should  be  sacredly  respected. 

9.  By  his  benevolence  and  address,  ue  gsuned  the  afTectlons 
of  the  Canadians,  many  of  r/hom  joined  his  standard.  More, 
however,  of  his  own  troops,  whose  term  of  enlistment  had  ex- 
pired, insisted  on  returning  to  their  homes.  So  dear  to  them 
were  the  delightc  of  the  domestic  fireside,  and  so  vividly  were 
they  recalled  to  memory  by  the  severe  duties-  of  the  camptdgn, 
that  the  high  character  of  th^  commander,  his  address,  his  en- 
treaties, availed  nothing  to  induce  them  to  proceed  on  the  expe- 
dition. With  the  renmant  of  his  army,  consisthig  of  no  more 
tiian  three  hundred  men,  he  began  his  march  towards  Quebec, 
expecting  to  meet  there  an  other  body  of  troops  sent  to  act  hi 
concert  with  him. 

10.  These  troops  were  a  detachment  (torn  the  army  before 
Boston,  consisting  of  one  thousand  men,  and  commanded  by 
colonel  Arnold;  who,  as  a  soldier,  was  adventurous,  impetuous, 
and  fearless ;  as  a  man,  overbearinff,  avaricious,  and  profligate. 
Their  route  lay  along  the  coast  to  me  mouth  of  ^e  Kennebec, 
in  Mahie,  thence  up  that  river  to  its  source,  and  thence,  over 
lofty  mountains,  through  a  wilderness  unexplored  by  civilized 
mant^to  the  river  St.  Lawrence.  They  were  unable  to  begin 
their  march  before  tlie  middle  of  September ;  on  the  S2d,  they 
embarked  in  boats,  at  Gardner,  on  the  Kennebec,  and  proceeded 
to  ascend  that  river. 

11.  They  found  the  current  rapid,  and  the  navigation  hiter- 
rupttid  by  frequent  cataracts.  Around  these  they  were  obUgeil 
to  draw,  by  hand,  their  provisions,  arms,  and  even  their  boats. 
Nor  wa*  their  route  on  land  less  difficult.  They  had  deep 
swamps  to  pass,  and  craggy  mountains  to  asoeod.  The  toll  was 
so  Incessant,  and  the  fat^e  so  great,  that  nwnyt  fUlbg  tlok, 
were  sent  back,  and  along  with  these  the  rear  division,  com- 
manded by  ooloL^i  £&M,  returned  without  Um  knowledge  of 
Arnold. 


152 


REVOLUTIONARY  WAR. 


[ITT 


o 


12.  Before  they  re&ched  the  height  of  land,  provisions  became 
scarce.  Dogs,  cartridge  boxes,  and  shoes  ive^^  eaten.  At  tho 
summit,  the  whole  stock  was  divided  equally  among  them,  each 
receiving  but  two  quarts  of  flour  as  his  portion.  The  order  of 
march  was  no  longer  obr*rved.  The  soldiers  were  directed  to 
proceed,  singly  or  by  coi  mies,  as  they  might  choose,  slowly 
or  with  speed,  as  they  wt  able,  to  the  nearest  Canadian  settle- 
ment, then  one  hundred  miles  distant.  When  the  company, 
whose  superior  strength  encdbled  them  to  keep  in  advance,  were 
thirty  miles  from  an^  human  habitation,  the  last  morsel  of  food 
had  been  consumed. 

13.  In  this  extremity,  Arnold,  with  a  few  of  the  most  yifforous, 
made  a  forced  march  to  the  first  village,  and  returned  to  liis  al- 
most famished  companions,  with  food  sufficient  to  satisfy  the 
Arst  wants  of  nature.     Refreshed  and  strengthened,  they  has- 

,tcned  forward,  and,  oi:  the  fourth  of  November,  arrived  at  the 
French  settlements  on  the  river  Chaudiere,  havhig  been  thhty- 
two  days  without  seeing  the  abodes  of  c?viUzed  man;  and  havhig, 
in  that  time,  performed  a  march  unexampled  for  its  temerity  and 
hardship. 

14.  The  inhabitants  welcomed  thom  with  cordial  hospitality. 
Though  separated,  in  a  great  measure,  fVom  the  world,  they  had 
heard  of  toe  dispute  between  Great  Britain  and  her  colonies, 
and  as  the  very  name  of  liberty  is  dear  to  the  heart  of  man,  theii* 
sympathies  were  all  enlisted  on  the  side  of  the  latter.  Amokl 
lustnbuted  proclamations  among  them  similar  to  those  issued  by 
general  Schuyler.  As  soon  as  the  scattered  soldiers  were  aa« 
aombled,  he  continued  his  march,  and,  on  the  ninth  of  November, 
arrived  at  Point  Levi,  opposite  Quebec. 

15.  Nothing  could  exceed  the  surprise  and  astonishment  of 
the  citizens  on  seeing  a  body  of  hostile  troops,  emei^inff  from 
the  soutliem  wilderness.  Had  Arnold,  at  this  moment  of  panic, 
been  able  to  cross  the  river,  the  city  must  have  fallen  an  easy 
conmiest ;  but  boats  were  not  at  hand,  and  a  flirious  storm,  oc< 
curi'lng  at  the  time,  rendered  crossing  impossible. 

16.  Having  procured  boats,  and  the  storm  havhig  abated,  he 
crossed  the  river  on  the  night  of  the  18th,  and  landed  near  the 
{jlace  where  Wolfe  had  landed  hi  the  preceding  war.  Mounting 
llie  same  steep  ascent,  he  formed  his  troops  on  the  plains  of 
Abraham,  ana  marched  towards  the  city.  Convinced,  by  a 
cannonade  from  the  walls,  that  the  garrison  were  ready  to  re- 
ceive him,  he  returned,  encamped  on  the  plain,  and  on  me  16th 
marched  to  Point  aux  Tremblei,  twenty  miles  firom  Quebec, 
where  he  determined  to  awnit  the  arrival  of  Montgomery. 

1 7.  He  came  on  tho  first  of  December.  How  great  was  tb«  joy, 


irrs] 


REVOLUTIONARt  WAR. 


163 


and  how  lively  the  gratulations,  they  only  can  imagine,  who, 
after  long  absence  and  sufTering,  have  met,  in  a  forei^  land, 
their  friends  and  former  'companions.  Arnold's  troops  had,  in^ 
deed,  great  cause  of  rejoicing.  They  were  entirely  destitute 
of  winter  clothing,  and  had  endured  extreme  distress  from  the 
severity  of  the  cold.  Montgomenr  had  brought  a  supply  firom 
Montreal,  which  he  immediately  distributed  among  them. 

18.  Their  united  force  amounted  to  no  more  man  nine  hikn- 
dred  effective  men.  On  the  fifUi,  the  general,  at  the  head  of 
these,  appeared  before  the  city,  and  sent  a  flag  with  a  summons 
to  surrender.  The  delay  which  had  taken  place,  had  enabled 
governor  Carieton  to  increase  the  strength  of  the  works,  and  to 
change  the  sentiihents  of  the  citizens  from  friendship  for  the 
Americans,  to  hosUli^.  He  ordered  his  tniops  to  fire  upoii 
the  beai^roftheflag.  ,. ' 

19.  Montgomery  soon  discovered  the  defeci.<!lh  of  his  fHends, 
and  perceived  that  he  must  depend  upon  his  own  force  alone  for 
the  accomplishment  of  his  object.  Wlien  he  compared  this 
force  with  that  of  the  enemy,  who  yveYe  fifteen  hundred  strong ; 
when  he  reflected  that  his  troops  were  recent  levies  whose 
tenn  was  nifearly  expired,  sund  whose  thoughts  were  fixed  upon 
their  homes,  his  hopes  of  success  became  faUit,  and  his  fore- 
bodings ffloomy  He  believed,  however,  that  success  wa»  pos- 
sible, and  his  high  sense  of  honor  and  of  duty  impelM  hhn  to 
hazard  every  thing  to  obtaUi  it  for  his  country. 

20.  He  first  determined  to  batter  the  walls,  and  harass  the 
city,  by  repeated  and  furious  attacks,  hoping  that  an  opportunity 
might  occur  of  striking  some  decisive  blow.  He  raised  a  mound, 
composed  of  snow  and  wter,  which  soon  became  Ice,  and 
there  planted  his  cannons,  six  only  in  number.  After  a  short 
trial,  they  were  found  inadequate,  and  this  plan  was  abandoned. 

21.  Meanwhile,  the  snow  fell  incessantiy,  the  cold  became 
intense,  and  the  sufferings  of  the  troops,  from  the  rigor  of  Uia 
season  and  their  cont'  nual  toil,  surpassed  all  that  they  had  evei 
before  felt,  or  witnesejd,  or  imagined.  To  increase  their  dis- 
tress, the  small  pox  broke  out  in  the  camp,  presenting  death  in 
a  new  shape,  and  adding  to  the  severity  rf  their  labors,  by  les- 
sening the  number  to  bear  them.  In  the  midst  of  these  trlalt, 
their  attachment  to  the  cause,  and  devotion  to  their  commander 
remained  unabated ;  but  these,  he  reflected,  must  soon  give 
way  before  such  severe  and  constant  sufTering ;  and  for  himself, 
he  determbed  to  make  immediately  a  bold  and  desperate  effort. 

22.  Assembling  his  officers,  he  proposed  to  storm  the  city. 
He  placed  before  them  the  motives  which  operated  upon  his 
own  mind.    Ha  did  not  dony  that  the  entei^rlse  was  highly 


154 


REVOLUTIONARY  WAR. 


[ir/e. 


\rrs: 


difficult  and  dangerous;  but  maintained  that  success  was  possi- 
ble. He  addv^sed  a  band  of  heroes  whose  sentiments  were 
congenial  with  his  own,  and  the  decision  was  unanimous  in 
i^vor  of  his  proposition.  The  plan  and  time  of  attack  were 
concerted,  and  to  each  officer  was  jassigned  his  particular  dutjr, 
93.  On  the  lastdaj  of  December,  at  four  o'clock  in  the  morn- 
ing, while  a  violent  snow  storm  was  raging,  the  troops  marched 
from  the  camp  in .  four  columns,  commanded  by  Montgomery, 
Arnold,  Livingston,  and  Brown.  The  two  latter  were  directed 
to  make  feigned  attacks  upon  the  upper  town,  m  order  to  dis- 
tract the  attention  of  the  giurison ;  while  the  two  former  pro« 
ceeded  to  assault  the  lower  town  at  opposite  pomts. 

24.  Livingston  and  Brown,  impeded  by  the  nnow  did  not  ar- 
rive in  season  to  execute  their  feints«  Montgomery,  advancing, 
at  the  head  of  his  column,  along  the  bank  of  the  river,  came  to 
a  barrier  or  stockade  otT  strong  posts.  Two  of  these  he  sawed 
off  with  his  own  hands.  The  guard  within  were  alarmed,  and 
fled  to  a  block-house,  fifty  yards  distant,  where  several  pieces  of 
cannon  were  stationed.  He  passed  through  the  opening  in  ttw 
barrier,  encouraging  his  men  to  follow.  The  troops  at  the  block- 
bouse,  to  whomwe  guard  had  communicated  their  terror}  began 
to  desert  it. 

25.  At  this  moment,  Montgomery  halted,  to  aUaw  the  truops, 
near  him  to  form  in  a  body.  Observing  this  delay,  a  Canadian, 
who  lingered  behind,  returned  to  the  block-house,  seized  a 
match  which  was  burning,  and  discharged  a  cannon  loaded  ii^th 
gn^jM  shot,  and  fortuitously  pdnted  at  the  littie  band.  The 
diseharge  was  instantiy  fatal  to  Montgomery,  and  to  several 
(avorite  officers  standiiilg  around  him.  The  men,  seeing  theh* 
beloved  leader  fall,  shrunk  back ;  colonel  Campbell,  the  next 
in  command,  ordered  a  retreat,  and  that  portion  of  the  garrison 
stationed  at  tiie  hlock^iouse,  was  left  at  liberty  to  hasten  to  an- 
other part  of  the  city,  ahready  in  commotion  from  the  attack  of 
Arnold. 

26.  This  officer,  marching,  like  Montgomery,  at  the  head  of 
his  column,  had  entered  the  town.  Advancing  along  a  narrow 
street,  which  was  swept  by  the  grape  shot  of  the  enemy,  he  re- 
ceived a  severe  wound  in  the  leg,  and  was  carried  to  the  hos- 
pital. Ci^Btain  Morgan,  afterwards  distinguished  by  his  exploits 
at  the  soutn,  assumed  the  command.  Placing  himself  at  the 
head  of  two  companies,  he  boldly  approached  the  enemy's 
works,  and  entering  through  the  embrasures,  drove  the  men  from 
jtbur  guns. 

17.  I|ere  he  halted  until  the  rear  of  the  column  came  up. 
When  time  WBB  given  for  reflectioo,  the  danger  of  their  aitua- 


Uon,  a 
bosom 
and 
throug 
batter] 
28. 


9  was  possi- 
ments  were 
lanimous  in 
attack  were 
dciilar  dutjT, 
n  the  mom- 
•ps  inarched 
[ontgomery, 
ere  directed 
rdertb  dis- 
fbrmer  pro* 

did  not  ar- 
advancing, 
'er,  came  to 
le  he  sawed 
urmed)  and 
al  pieces  of 
miag  in  the 
it  the  bloclc- 
rror,  began 

the  troops, 
Canadian, 
U  seized  a 
oaded  ^'rith 
wd.  The 
to  several 
eebg  theii* 
1,  the  next 
e  garrison 
iten  to  an- 
e  attacic  ol 

le  head  of 
r  a  narrow 
ny,  he  re- 

the  hos- 
lis  exploits 
elf  at  the 

enemy's 
men  from 

came  up. 
leir  aitua- 


irrs.] 


HEVOLtTIONART  WAH. 


m 


tion,  a  small  band  hi  the  beart  of  a  hostile  city,  filled  even  th^ 
bosoms  of  the  brave  with  draad.  Moigan  retailed  his  firmness ; 
and  when  the  morning  dawned,  wima  voice  that  resounded 
through  the  city,  summoned  Ids  troops  to  the  assault  of  a  second 
battery,  a  short  distance  in  advance  of  the  first 

28.  Before  this,  a  fierce  combat  ensued.  Many  of  the  ene- 
my were  killed,  but  more  Americans,  who  were  exposed  to  a 
destructtve  fire  of  musketry  from  Ae  wfaidowB  of  the  houses^ 
Some  of  the  most  daring  mounted  the  wftll,  but,  seeing,  on  the 
other  side,  two  ranks  of  soldiers,  with  their  muskeb  on  the 
ground,  presenting  hedges  of  bayonets  to  receive  them,  should 
they  leu»  forward,  they  recoiled  and  descended. 

29.  YVeary  with  exertion,  and  benumbed  with  cold ;  «ltposed 
to  adeadUy  fire  fvboi  every  quarter ;  their  arms  rendered  useless 
by  the  snow  which  condnued  to  fall,  the  soldiers  sought  refiige 
in  the  houses.  Perceiving  that  all  farther  attempts  would  be 
vsun,  Moi|^  gave  the  signal  of  retreat.  Some  of  the  men  fled, 
but  most  were  unwiUing  to  encounter  another  tempest  of  shot. 
They  refused,  however,  to  yield,  until  assured  of  the  fate  of 
Montgomery ;  when,  loising  all  hope  of  success  and  escape,  they 
surrendered  themselves  prisoners  of  war. 

30.  The  loss  of  the  Americans,  ha  this  de^rate  enterpriser 
was  above  four  hundred,  of  whom  one  bunded  and  fifty  >vere 
killed.  The  whole  continent  bewailed  ti^e  death  of  Montgome- 
17.  He  was  conspicuous,  even  in  thoM  times  of  enthusiasm,  for 
his  ardent  devotion  to  the  cause  of  freedom.  He  was  endeared 
to  the  good,  by  the  exercise,  in  the  midst  Of  war,  of  the  amiable 
virtues.  His  soldiers  adored  him  tor  his  lofly  spirit  and  daring 
bravery.  The  o'lemy  respected  hhati  for  hid  honorable  conduct, 
and  distinguished  militarjf  qualities.  Until  his  last  enterprise, 
continual  success  bore  testimony  to  the  jfreatness  of  his  talents  $ 
and  defeat,  when  he  was  no  more,  conmrmed  the  testimony  of 
Success.  Congress  resolved  that  a  monument  should  be  erected 
to  perpetuate  his  fame.  It  lives  yet  fre^  in  the  memory  of 
Americans.  In  1818,  New-lfork,  his  adopted  state,  removed 
his  remains  from  (^ebec  to  her  own  metropolis,  where  the 
monument  had  been  placed,  and  near  that  they  repose. 

31.  Some  of  the  Americans,  on  their  escape  from  QuebeC) 
retreated  precipitately  to  Montreal.  Arnold,  with  difficulty, 
detained  about  four  hundred,  who,  breakhig  up  thehr  camp,  re- 
tired three  miles  from  the  city.  Here  this  herote  band,  tiiougfa 
much  Inferior  b  number  to  the  garrison,  kept  It  In  oontfaiual 
awe,  and,  by  preventing  all  communication  wltii  the  country, 
reduced  It  to  great  distress  for  the  want  of  provistons. 

39.  Congress,  on  receiving  information  o(^  disaster  of  tho 


166 


RETOtimONART  WAR. 


[1773. 


3l8t  of  December!  directed  |«inforceinentg  to  be  sent  to  Canada ; 
and  after  the  berimung  of  March,  Arnold's  pa)r^  was  almost 
daidy  augmented  Joy  the  arrival  of  sifaM  bodied  of  troops. '  But 
its  strengtili  did  not  increase  with  its  numbers.  The  mnall-pox 
still  continued  its  ravages ;  fatigue)  without  hope,  depressed  the 
spirits  of  ^e  sddiers ;  die  difficulty  of  obtaining  provisions  be- 
came eveiy  day  gre^r ;  and  the  harsh  measures  adopted  by 
Arnold  to  procure  them,  exasperated  the  inhabitants  around  him. 

33.  On  die  first  of  May,  general  Thomas,  who  had  been  ap- 
pointed to  succeed  Montgomeiy,  arrived  from  the  camp  at  Rox^ 
bury.  On  reviewing  his  army,  be  found  it  to  consist  of  less  than 
two  thousand  men,  of  whom  half  were  not  fit  for  duty.  A  coun- 
cil of  war  was  hdd,  who  resolved  that  it  was  es^iedient  to  talce  a 
more  defensible  position  lUgher  up  the  St.  Lawrence.  To  this 
decbion  they  were  led  by  me  knowlec^  that  the  ice  was  leav- 
ing the  river,  and  by  the  ejqpectation  that  reinforcements  from 
JBnj^bnd  would  immediately  come  up.  The  next  monUng,  hi 
fact,  while  the  Ainericans  were  engaged  in  removhng  the  slolc, 
several  ships  appeared  in  siffht,  and  Entered  the  harbor.  A  mul- 
titude of  troops  were  immediately  poured  into  the  city. 

34.  At  one  o'clock,  Garleton  made  a  sortie  at  the  head  of  a 
thousand  men.  Against  these,  general  Thomas,  at  that  moment, 
Could  oppose  but  mree  hundred.  All  the  stores,  and  many  of 
the  sick,  fell  into  the  power  of  the  enemy.  The  latter  were 
treated,  by  the  governor,  with  great  tenderness ;  and  when  re^^ 
stored  to  health,  were  assisted  to  return  to  their  homes.  The 
Americans  retreated  to  the  mouth  of  the  Sorel,  where  they  were 
Joined  bv  several  reghnents,  and  where  their  worthy  commander 
died  of  the  smdl-pox,  which  yet  prevailed  in  the  camp. 

36.  While  patriotism  and  valoi  were^  in  this  quarter,  unsuc- 
cessfully contendhi^  with  a  superior  force,  the  Americans  sus- 
tained a  heavy  and  unexpected  calamity,  resulting  fW>m  coward- 
ice, in  an  other.  At  a  fortified  place,  called  the  Cedars,  forty 
m|Ies  above  Montreal,  colonel  Bedell  was  stationed  with  four 
hundred  men,  and  two  pieces  of  cannon.  Assembling  a  force 
of  six  hundred,  mostly  Indian  warriors,  captain  Foster,  who 
commanded  at  Oswegatcbie,  descended  tibe  river  to  attack  this 
post* 

36.  Colonel  Bedell,  leavUig  ms^or  Butterfield  in  command, 
repaired  to  Montreal  to  obtain  assistance.  Shortly  afterwards, 
captain  Foster  appeared,  and  hivested  the  fort.  He  had  no  ar- 
tillery, and  in  the  course  of  two  days,  but  one  man  was  wound- 
ed. More  efficient  than  his  arms,  was  the  intimation,  that  if 
any  of  the  Indians  should  be  killed,  it  would  not  be  in  his  power 
to  restrain  them  from  the  massacre  of  the  gtirrison.    Intimidated 


irre.] 


EEVOLirnONARY  WAR. 


1S7 


bj  this,  major  Butterfield  surrendered  his  whole  party  piisoners 
<H  \mr,  Btqjiulatiiig  only  iot  their  baggage  and  their  lives. 
:  37.  Upon  the  r^resentation  of  colonel  Bedell,  a  reinforce* 
ment  was  ordered  to  march  firom  Montreal ;  but  he  declined 
returning  with  it,  and  the  command  was  given  to  major  Sher- 
burne. The  day  after  the  surrender  of  the  fort,  of  which  event 
the  major  was  ignorant,  and  about  four  mUes  from  it,  he  was  met 
by  a  large  body  of  Indians,  to  whom,  after  an  obstinate  and 
bloody  conflict,  be  was  obliged  to  sunender.  The  whole  loss 
of  the  Americans  was  at  least  five  hundred. 

88.  Genisral  Sullivan  was  appointed  to  succeed  general  Tho- 
mas, and  on  the  first  of  June,  airived  at  the  river  Sorel,  where  he 
found  between  four  and  five  thousand  men.  But  the  army  of 
the  enemy  had,  in  the  mean  time,  been  augmented  to  thirteen 
thousand.  Commanding  a  force  so  decidedly  superior,  governor 
Carleton  pressed  forward  in  pursuit,  and  the  Americans  retreated 
slowly  anid  reluctantly  before  him.  At  St.  Johns,  the  pursuit 
ceased ;  but  general  SuUivan,  in  obedience  to  orders  from  general 
Schuyler,  continued  his  march  to  Crown  Point,  at  the  head  of 
lake  Champlain. 

39.  Thus  terminated  the  expedition  against  Canada.  In  its 
conception  it  was  sinpilarly  bold  and  romantic.  In  its  progress 
were  displayed  fortitude  and  bravery  seldom  equalled  in  military 
annals.  Its  failure  ~*'as  a  painful  disappointment  to  the  patriots 
of  the  day.  It  is  now  consoling  to  reflect,  that  success  would 
probably  have  proved  injurious  to  die  cause  of  independency. 
To  protect  the  province,  the  military  force  of  the  confederacy 
must  have  been  too  much  extended,  and  coloiUes  more  important; 
have  been  left  defenceless. 


CHAPTER  XYUI. 


CAMPAIGN  OF  1776. 


THE  last  humble  petition  of  congrev  to  the  king  ;ru  pre- 
sented by  Mr.  Peon,  the  late  governor  of  Pennsylvania.  A  few 
days  aAerwardi,he  wee  told  by  the  minister  that  no  answer  would 
be  mwie  to  it  The  haughty  spirit,  which  dietated  thti  ieply» 
pervaded  both  hoaies  ortMrJismeoL     - 

0 


2<8 


JtEYOLUnONAEt  WAR. 


[irre. 


■ 


2.  In  December,  fthw  was  passed  amouatii^  to  a  dedwatfon 
of  war  agdmst  Uie  cokn^es.  Treades  were  made  widi  the 
LandgntTe  of  Hesse  C«iMt«iid  other  Carman  princes,  hiring  of 
them  seventeen  tfaoosand  men,  tohe^nployed  against  the  Aniri* 
cans ;  and  it  was  determined  to  send  ov«r,  in  Mdidfln  to  these, 
twMtf -five  thousand  Enslisb  troops. 

5.  In  the  beginnii^  m  the  year  1776,  a  fleet  under  Sir  Peter 
ParisMr,  md  two  thousand  five  hundred  troops  commanded  bj 
eui  ComwaHis,  were  despatclied  upon  an  esmedition  against  the 
southern  colonies.  Soon  after,  admoral  Homam  set  mfl  widi  a 
lai^  numl>«r  of  transports,  carrying  the  first  division  of  Hes- 
sians ;  and,  in  May,  followed  admind  lord  Howe,  who  had  beoi 

3 pointed  commcmder  of  the  naval  force  on  tte  Asnerican  station, 
e,  and  his  bro^r,  general  Howe,  had  also  been  iqppofaited 
jomt  commissioners  to  grant  pardons  on  submission. 

4.  On  the  first  <^  May,  the  fleet,  under  rir  Poter  Park«r,  ar- 
rhred  on  the.  coast  of  Nwlh  Carolina,  where  rir  Henry  CBnton, 
arriringat  the  smne  time  from  New-Tork,  took  c<wuiuaid  of  the 
troops.  The  late  def^  of  the  hightaind  emigrant  had  so 
dispirited  the  loyalists  in  this  colony,  that  he  determiBed  to  pro- 
ceed farther  south,  and  attack  Charleston,  the  capital  of  South 
Carolina.  •  ^ 

6.  Fortunately,  an  official  letter,  announcing  iSbB  «3»eedy  de- 
parture of  the  expedition  from  En^and,  had  been  intercepted 
eariy  in  ^e  spring,  and  time  was  thus  given  to  place  this  cl^  in 
a  state  of  defence.  A  strong  fort  was  built  on  SuBivan's  itdand, 
a  position  from  which  idups,  on  entering  the  hariNw^  could  be 
greatly  annoyed ;  the  streets,  in  different  {daces,  wore  strongly 
barricaded ;  the  stores  on  the  wharves,  though  of  great  value, 
were  pulled  down,  and  lines  of  defence  erected  along  the  water^s 
edge. 

6.  On  learning  the  near  approach  of  the  enemy,  the  militia 
of  the  country  were  summoned  to  defend  the  capital.  They 
obi^ed  with  alacrity,  increasing  to  five  or  six  thousand  the  num<* 
i)er  of  troops.  General  Lee  roA  he€n  sent  from  New- York  to 
take  the  chief  command ;  and  his  high  military  reputation  gave 
confidence  to  the  soldiers  and  inhabitants.  Under  him  were 
colonels  Gadsden,  Maultrie,  and  Thonqpaon. 

7.  In  the  morrdng  of  the  28th  of  June,  nine  ships  of  war, 
carnring  two  hundred  and  fifty  guns,  began  a  furious  attack  upon 
Iha  loit  on  the  island,  which  was  garrisoned  l^tJbout  four  hunwed 
men,  under  the  command  of  colonel  MeuMrie.  At  the  same 
tfaie,  a  detachment  of  troops  was  landed  on  an  adjoining  iskuid, 
and  directed  to  cross  over,  ataplace  wharslftieaea  was  supposed 
to  be  shallow,  and  attack  it  in  ua  fear. 


1776.] 


REVOLUTIONARY  WAR. 


159 


8.  The  heavy  and  mceasant  fire  of  the  enemy  wae  received 
with  coobieas,  and  retiumed  with  skill.  Many  of  their  ships  fmS- 
faed  serereiy,  amd  partieulariy  the  Bristol,  on  board  of  which 
was  commodore  Paricer.  She  was  twice  ia  flames,  her  captain 
was  kilied,  and  so  dreadful  was  the  slau^iiter,  that,  at  one  time, 
the  commodore  was  the  only  person  upon  deck  unhurt. 

9.  In  the  midst  of  dw  action,  general  Lee  vinted  the  garri- 
son. He  was  delig^bted  with  the  enthusiasm  they  exhihtted. 
Nothing  seemed  csqpsdble  of  quenchmg  their  ardor.  Soldiers, 
moitaUy  woimdedy  exhorted  their  comrades  never  to  abandon 
the  standard  of  liberty.  ^*  I  die,''  said  sergeant  M'Ponald,  in 
his  last  mMnents,  ^  for  a  glorious  cause ;  but  I  hope  it  will  r  )t 
ex|»ire  wttli  me.'* 

10.  llie  British  troops,  destined  to  attack  the  fort  in  the  rear, 
found  it  impossible  to  reach  the  iedand.  The  engagement  with 
the  fleet  continued  until  dark.  The  ships,  having  received  too 
nMc^  injury  to  renew  it,  moved  off  in  the  night ;  and  a  few  days 
aAerwards,  the  fleet,  vrith  the  troops  on  boani,  set  sail  for  New- 
Yeric,  where  the  whole  British  force  had  been  ordered  to  as- 

sembte. 

11.  The  kfiled  and  wounded  on  the  part  of  the  enemy, 
amonnled  to  jiear  two  hundred.  Of  the  Americans,  ten  were 
killed,  aad  twenty-two  wounded.  The  troops,  for  their  gallan- 
try, received  tb»  ^nmks  of  congress,  and  high  and  well  merited 
praise  from  tfa«ir  countrymen.  Their  success  was  auspicious  to 
(the  cause  of  freedom.  In  a  part  of  the  country  where  resist- 
ance by  ibrce  had  been  but  litde  contemplated,  it  aroused  the 
peofrfe  to  exertion,  and  inspired  ^em  with  confidence. 

12.  Notwithstanding  the  active  war  carried  on,  the  colonies 
still  pipofessed  allegiance  to  the  British  king ;  and  protested  that 
the  sole  object  of  all  their  measures,  was  a  redressof  griev>  itc^. 
In  the  beginning  of  the  contest,  these  professions,  in  mo«c  in- 
stances, were  sincere ;  but  a  state  of  hostility  produced  a  rapid 
change  of  sentiment.  In  place  of  attachment  to  mori<^urchy  and 
to  Great  Britain,  succeeded  devotion  to  republicnn  principles, 
UMid  wishes  for  independence. 

18.  The  temporary  constitutions  adopted  by  New-Hampshire, 
and  several  other  colonies,  bad  shown  with  what  faciUtr  all 
bonds  of  connexion  with  the  mother  country  could  be  diftsdved. 
Essays  in  the  newspapers,  and  pamphlets  industriously  chrcula* 
ted,  appealing  to  the  reason  and  to  the  passion*  of  the  people, 
enforced  the  necessity  find  policy  of  a  separation.  Resistance, 
it^  was  observed,  had  been  carried  too  far  to  allow  the  hope  that 
cordial  harmony  could  ever  be  restored;  submission  on  any 
(prp^s^  to  Irriti^ted  masteri;,  WQiUd  be  totally  unsafe ;  and  the  al- 


IW 


BfiVOLUTIONAliY  WAR. 


[ma. 


ternatire  was  presented  of  rising  to  Uk«  honorable  rank  of  an 
independent  nation,  or  sinking  Into  ft«late  of  vassalage  which 
every  future  jrear  would  rendei*  more  optoresBiye  and  degracDng. 

14.  A  pamphleti  entitled  **  Common  Sense,"  and  written  by 
Thomas  Paine,  an  Enf^iahman,  was  vniversallj  read,  and. most 
highly  admired.  In  language  plain,  forcible,  anid  singulariy  well 
fitted  to  operate  on  the  pnbuc  mind,  he  portrayed  the  excellen- 
cies of  lepublican  institutions,  and  attaclced,  with  hi^py  and  sue- 
oessfttl  ridicule,  the  principles  of  hereditary  government.  The 
effect  of  the  pamphlet,  in  midcing  converts,  was  astonishing,  and 
is  probably  without  precedent  in  the  arjiab  of  literature. 

15.  As  a  step  prepaivtory  to  hidependence,  congress,  on  the 
16th  of  May,  recommended  to  those  colonies  tha*  h»d  not  yet. 
adopted  constitutions,  to  establish,  without  any  limitation  of 
time,  "  such  governments  as  might  best  conduce  to  the  happi- 
ness and  tmfe^y  of  the  people."  The  recommendation  was  ge- 
nerally eomplki  with,  anid  in  every  instance  the  government 
was  not  only  entirely  elective,  but  elective  at  stich  thoH  periods 
as  to  impress  upon  rulers  their  immediate  aocountableness  to  the 
people,  and  upon  the  people  a  just  opinion  of  their  own  impor- 
tance, and  a  conviction  of  tlieir  safety  from  misrule. 

10.  The  odlonies  had  become  accustomed  to  contemplate 
themselves  as  sovereign  states ;  and  the  governments  of  many 
expressed  their  desire  that  congress  would  declare  them  such  to 
the  world.  On  the  7th  of  June,  a  resolution  to  that  effect  wa» 
proposed,  in  that  body,  by  RichaR*  Henry  Lee^  of  Virginia^  and 
aeconded  by  John  Adams,  of  Massachusetts.  While  under  con- 
sideration, the  colonies,  which  had  not  expressed  their  approba- 
tion of  the  aieasure,  declared  their  concurrence.  A  committee, 
consisting  of  Meosrs.  Jefferson,  Adams,  Franldin,  Shafnaii^ 
and  Li'dngston,  were  instructed  to  prepare  a  DeclaraUon  of  In^ 
dependence,  which,  on  the  fourth  of  July,  a  me.aorable  day,  wit 
almost  unanimously  adopted. 

17.  "  We  hold  these  truths,"  says  this  celebrated  state  paper, 
^  to  be  self  cedent,  that  all  mankhid  are  oreated  equal  |  that 
they  ore  endowed  by  their  Creator  with  certain  unalienable 
rights  t  thai  among  these,  are  life,  liberty,  and  the  pursuit  of  hap- 
pUtess ;  that  to  secure  these  rights,  governments  are  instituted 
among  men,  derlvUig  their  just  powers  from  the  consent  of  the 
governed  t  that  whenever  any  form  of  goveiiiment  becomes  de- 
structive of  these  ends,  it  to  the  right  of  the  people  to  alter  oi* 
aboltoh  it,  and  to  insUtute  e  new  goveramoLt,  laying  Its  fouoda^ 
tlons  on  such  prinolples,  and  organiiimr  its  powers  In  such  form, 
as  to  th«  m  ihail  seem  most  likely  to  effect  tiUBir  safety  ind  hB|i* 


isd 


ank  of  an 
age  vrhich 
degnufing. 
vniitten  by 
t  and  mo6t 
uliriywell 
>exc«llen- 

)nt.     The 
ahingjiind 

w»onUie 
d  not  yet 
itatioA  of 
he  happi- 
n  waa  ge. 
veniment 
rt  periods 
Ma  to  the 
a  iupor- 

itemplate 
of  manjr 
nauch  to 
iflect  was 
M»»and 
ider  con- 
approba- 
nunitteey 
ttMrniQ^ 
>nof  Iq. 
day,  WW 

tepttw, 
al;  that 
ilienable 
t  of  hap. 
utituted 
t  of  the 
mea  de- 
alter  01' 
fouoda- 
ihibmii 
Ddhiyi<. 


irre] 


REYOLUTIOKARY  WAR. 


161 


16.  To  justify  the  eanMlfe,  on  the  present  occasion,  of  the 
right  here  assefted,  a  huig  emunention  ia  made  of  the  injuries 
inflicted  apoa  the  coloniet,  by  the  Uag  of  Great  Britain  which 
is  closed  by  declaring  thtt  '*  •  prlnoe,  whose  character  is  thus 
marlced  by  efsry  act  wUeh  nay  define  a  tyrant,  ia  unfit  to  be 
the  ruler  oft  free  people*" 

19.  The  appeau  which  had  been  made  to  the  people  of 
Great  Britein,  are  also  recounted ;  <*  but  they  toe  have  been 
deaf  to  the  voice  of  justice  and  eonsanouhiity.  We  must  there- 
fore acquiesce  to  the  necessity  which  denounces  our  separation, 
and  hold  tbem,  as  we  hold  the  rest  of  mankind,  enemies  hi  war, 
in  peace  friends* 

20.  *<  We,  therefore,  the  representatives  of  the  United  States 
of  America,  in  general  congress  aMembled,  meiUng  to  (he 
Supreme  Judge  m  tUe  World  for  the  rectitude  or  our  intenttons, 
do,  in  the  name,  and  by  the  authority,  of  the  good  people  of  Uiese 
colonies,  solemnly  publish  and  declare,  that  these  United  Colo- 
nies an,  and  of  risfat  out  to  be,  vrm  and  mnmNDiNTSTATas ; 
that  they  an  abs<Mved  from  all  allegiance  to  the  British  crown, 
and  that  all  political  connection  between  them  and  the  state  of 
Great  Britain  is,  and  of  right  ought  to  be,  totallv  dissolved  ;  and 
fhztf  as  free  and  independent  states,  they  have  full  power  to  levy 
ivar  conclude  peace,  contract  alliances,  estahUsn  commerce, 
and  do  all  other  acts  and  things  which  independent  states  may  of 
right  do.  kmA  for  the  sopirart  of  this  declaration,  with  a  firm 
reliance  on  the  protection  of  Divine  Provklenee,  we  mutually 
pledge  to  each  other  our  lives,  our  fortunes,  and  our  sacred 
honor.'' 

il.  Hiis  dedandion  was  communicated  to  the  army,  and 
received  with  enthuslastio  plaudits.  A  great  majority  of  the 
peof^e'  welcomed  it  with  joy,  which  was  dtsplwred,  hi  almost 
every  city,  by  extraordinary  puUlc  festhrities.  Those  who  had 
been  denominated  tories,  were  averse  to  a  separation.  Mnny 
joined  the  royal  armies,  and  exhibited,  durbig  tne  war,  the  most 
cruel  hostility  against  the  whigs,  their  conntiTmen. 

S3.  During  ttie  spring  and  summer,  unremitted  exertions 
were  made  to  fortify  the  city  of  New- York,  against  i»hlcb,  it 
was  supposed,  the  whole  strength  of  the  enemy  would  be  next 
dh^ecteo.  In  this  erisis,  the  people  of  that  staite  acted  with 
spMt  and  firmness.  One  fourth  of  the  militiA  of  the  counties 
contiguous  to  the  elty,  were  called  bto  the  public  service.  Yet 
the  means,  In  the  power  of  the  comntMider^-ohief ,  were  not 
•de/mate  to  the  emergency.  He  bad  under  his  command  bat 
(baiteen  thousind  efieethre  men  {  and  wis  almost  destitute  of 
many  artlolet  which  hnp«rl  strength  ••  wiU  •§  comfort  to  ta 

01 


162 


REVOLUTIOKARt  WAR. 


(ITTS. 


army.  As  it  was  fai  the  power  of  the  enemy  to  choose  their 
point  of  attaclc,  this  force  wu  necessarily  divided.  A  part  were 
fitetioned  in  the  city,  a  part  at  Brooldjm,  on  Long  Island,  and 
small  detachments  at  ▼uioiis  other  posts. 

2&  In  the  beginniitf  of  July,  admiral  and  general  Howe  ac- 
tlved  in  the  harbor  of  New-Toric.  They  were  accompanied  by 
a  powerful  naval  force,  and  by  an  army  of  twenty-foor  thousand 
mon,  abundantly  suppM  with  nUlitar}'  stores.  The  troops 
vtere  landed  on  Staten  Mand,  a  position  lirom  which  ulterioir 
movements  could  most  convenient  be  mado. 

24.  General  Washington,  presuming  that  the  first  attack 
would  be  made  upon  the  posts  at  Brooklyn,  strengthened  it  by  a 
detachment  of  troops  from  the  ci^,  and  gave  the  commancl  of 
it  to  general  Putnam.  On  tiie  29a  of  August,  the  British  forces 
were  landed  on  the  q)posite  ride  of  Long  Island.  The  two  ar- 
mies were  now  about  four  miles  asunder,  and  were  separated 
py  a  range  of  hills,  over  which  passed  three  main  roads.  Va- 
rious circumstances  led  Mueral  Putnam  to  suspect  that  the  one* 
mvhitended  to  approach  hiiftbyther(wd  lewling  to  his  right,, 
which  hfr  therefore  guarded  with  most  care. 

25.  Very  early  in  the  morning  of  the  26th,  his  suspicions 
were  strwigthened  by  the  approach,  upon  that  road,  of  a  column 
of  British  troops,  and  upon  the  centre  road,  of  a  column  of 
Hessians.  To  oppose  these,  the  American  troops  were  mostlv 
drawn  from  their  camp,  and  in  the  engagements  which  took 
place,  evbiced  considenjble  bravery. 

26.  These  movements  of  the  enemy  were  but  ftints  to  divei>t 
the  attention  of  Putnam  from  the  road  which  led  to  his  left, 
along  which  general  Clinton  was  silently  advancing  with  the 
main  body  of  the  British  army.  The  report  of  cannon  in  that 
direction  gave  Uie  first  kttimation  of  the  danger  which  was  ap« 
proacliing.  The  Americans  endeavoured  to  escape  it,  by  re- 
turning, witii  the  utmost  celerity,  to  their  camp.  They  were 
not  able  to  arrive  there  hi  time,  out  were  kitercepted  by  general 
Clinton,  who  drove  them  back  upon  the  Hessians. 

27.  Attacked  thus  in  front  ana  rear,  they  fought  a  succession 
of  B]<innlshefl,  in  the  course  of  which  many  were  killed,  many 
made  prisoners,  and  sevend  parties,  seising  (avourable  ofmor- 
tunities,  forced  their  way  through  tlie  enemy,  and  regained  the 
camp.  A  bold  and  vigorous  charge,  made  by  the  American 
general,  lord  Sterling,  at  the  heaa  of  a  Maryland  regimtntr 
enabled  a  large  body  to  escape  in  this  manner.  This  regiment, 
fighting  with  desperate  bravery,  kept  a  force  greatly  superior 
engaged,  until  their  comrades  had  passed  bv,  when  the  few  who 
iurvivedi  oftasing  to  resist,  surrendered  to  ue  enemy. 


m6.]| 

28. 
soners,! 
were 
of  the 
night 
batteric 

29. 

over to! 

the  des^ 

pertorit 

theme 

the  sltyl 

with  su/ 

the  enei 

the  res 

80. 

comps 

cxampU 

chief,  fe 

Haerler 

days  ail 

sand  hot 

31.  ( 

which  h 

ofhlstr 

the  enei 

system 

toharu 

motion; 

them  In 

one,  foi 

ton  wat 

Americ 

was  CO] 

82.' 

indloat 

cutting 

army, 

White 

tobrin 

byskll 

the  28 

equal. 

88. 

«p«lll 


irre.] 


REVOLUTIONARY  WAR. 


163 


28.  The  loss  of  the  Americans)  in  kUIed,  wounded,  and  pri- 
soners, eonsiderably  exceeded  a  thousand.  Amonff  Ihe  latter 
were  generals  Sullivan,  Sterling,  and  Woodhull.  The  total  loss 
of  the  enemy  was  less  than  four  hundred.  They  encamped  at 
nig^t  before  the  American  Unes;  and  the  next  day  began  to  erect 
batteries  within  rix  hundred  yards  of  their  left. 

29.  While  the  battle  was  raging,  general  Washhigton  passed 
over  to  Brooklyn,  where  he  witnesMd,  with  Uiexpressible  anguish, 
the  destructieu  of  his  best  troops,  from  which,  such  was  the  su- 
periority of  the  eMmjy  it  was  impossible  to  save  them.  Finding 
the  men  dupirited  l>y  defeat,  he  determhied  to  remove  them  to 
the  city.  The  retreat  was  effected,  on  the  nlsht  of  the  28tb, 
with  such  silence  and  despatch,  that  before  me  suspicions  of 
the  enemy  were  excited,  the  last  division  of  boats  was  beyond 
the  reach  of  thehr  fire. 

80.  So  disheartened  were  the  militia,  that  they  deserted  by 
companies ;  and  even  the  regular  troops  were  infected  by  their 
example.  Near  the  middle  of  September,  the  commander-in- 
chief,  fearing  to  be  enclosed  in  the  city,  retired  to  tiie  heights  of 
Haerlem.  The  enemy  immediately  took  possession.  A  few 
days  afterwards,  a  fire  broke  out  which  consumed  about  a  thou- 
sand houses. 

31.  General  Washhigtota,  after  reflecting  upon  the  events 
which  had  already  occurred ;  ailer  considering  the  inexperience 
of  his  troops,  the  condition  of  the  country,  and  the  distance  of 
the  enemy  from  their  resources,  determined  to  adopt  a  cautious 
system  of  warfare ;  to  risk  at  present  no  general  engagement ; 
to  harass  and  wear  out  the  enemy  by  keening  them  ia  conthiual 
motion ;  and  to  inspire  hb  own  troops  witn  courage,  by  engaging 
them  in  skirmishes,  in  all  cases  where  success  was  probable.  In 
one,  fought  on  the  sixth  of  September,  the  bmve  colonel  Knowl- 
ton  was  killed  {  but  the  result  was  so  decidedly  favorable  to  the 
Americans,  that  the  troops  recovered  their  spirits  i  and  the  general 
was  confirmed  in  the  system  he  had  adopted. 

82.  The  movementK  of  the  enemy,  in  the  beginning  of  October, 
indicated  an  intention  of  K<dning  the  rear  of  the  Americans,  and 
cutting  off  their  communToation  with  the  eastern  states.  The 
army,  tlierefore,  quitting  Haerlem,  moved  northward  towards 
White  Plains.  General  Howe  pursued,  making  several  attempts 
to  bring  on  a  general  engagement,  whksh  Washingtogi  avokied 
by  skilful  changes  of  position.  A  partial  action  was  fought,  on 
the  26th  of  October,  In  which  the  loss  on  both  sides  was  nearly 
equal. 

83.  Finding  his  antagonist  too  cautious  to  be  drawn  into  the 
«p«i  fiekli  Mi  too  itroag  to  bo  attaokod  ia  his  fAtroaobmoaUf 


164 


RE\OLtJTIONARY  WAR. 


tlW6. 


general  Howe  determined  to  rett^m  towards  New- York,  and  at- 
tack forts  Washington  and  Lee,  situated  opposite  to  each  otlier 
on  tlie  Innks  of  tlie  Hudson,  and  about  ten  miles  above  the  city. 
In  these  forts,  garrisons  had  been  left,  tram  a  wish  to  preserve 
the  command  ^  this  important  li  jr.  That  hi  fort  Washington, 
consiisthig  in  part  of  militia,  ar  irw^ted  to  two  thousand  seven 
hundred  men,  under  colonel  ?i  igtY* 

84.  On  the  16th  of  November,  four  divisions  of  the  enemy^s 
army,  led  by  their  principal  officers,  attacked  it  in  four  different 
quarters.  The  garrison,  and  particularly  the  riflemen  under 
colonel  Rawlings,  fouffht  bravely.  The  Germans  were  several 
times  driven  back,  with  great  lose.  But  these  combined  and 
vigorous  attacks  were  at  length  successftil.  The  ammunition  hi 
the  fort  behng  nearly  exhausted,  and  all  the  out  poets  driven  in, 
the  commander,  on  being  a  second  time  summoned,  agreed  to 
capitulate,  on  honorable  terms.  This  was  the  severest  blow  tlie 
Americans  had  yet  felt.  The  loss  of  the  enemy,  hovrever,  hi 
killed  and  wounded,  was  supposed  to  be  twelve  hundred  men. 

85.  Fort  Lee  was  immediately  evacuated,  the  garrison  joining 
general  Washington.  He  had  previouslv,  with  one  division  of 
liis  army,  crossed  over  into  New-Jersey,  leaving  the  other,  under 
the  command  of  general  Leo,  in  New- York.  His  force,  evep 
when  augmented  by  the  garrison,  consisted  of  but  three  thousarK^ 
effective  men,  and  they  were  destitute  of  tents,  of  blankets,  and 
even  of  utf  asils  to  cook  their  provisions.  His  first  station  wa^ 
Newaric ;  but  the  enemy  pursuhig  khn,  be  was  compelled  to 
retreat  successively  to  Brunswick,  to  Princeton,  to  Trenton,  and 
finally  to  cross  the  Delaware  into  Pennsylvania ;  and  so  close 
was  the  pursuit,  that  the  advance  of  the  British  army  was  often 
in  si^t. 

86.  Small  as  was  his  force  when  tlie  retreat  began,  it  dhni- 
nished  daily.  On  the  last  of  November,  many  of  his  troops 
were  entitled  to  their  discharge,  and  not  one  of  them  could  be 
persuaded  to  continue  an  otlier  day  In  service.  Such  he  feareii 
would  be  the  conduct  of  the  remainder,  whose  time  would  expire 
at  the  end  of  the  year.  In  this  extremity,  he  urged  general  Lee 
to  hasten  to  his  assistance ;  but  Uiat  officer,  iiaving  other  pur* 
poses  in  view,  delayed  his  march.  He  called  on  the  militia  of 
New-Jeney  and  Pen*Mylvania,  but  none  obeyed  lus  call.  The 
population  around  him  were  hostile  or  desponding,  and  withheld 
ilH  aid  firom  an  arniy  wtiose  career  seemed  near  ite  termination. 

-  87.  In  this  darkest  hour  ki  American  history,  general  Howe 
istutd  a  procldmation  offering  pardon  to  all  who  would  declare 
their  iufanihMion  to  royal  authority.  The  contrast  between  a 
ragged,  luflerbig,  retreatkig  army,  and  a  (UU-cImI.  powerful. 


1776.] 


REVOLUTIONARY  WAR. 


U6 


exulting  foe,  induced  many,  despairing  of  success,  to  abandon  the 
cause  tfiey  had  espoused,  and  accept  of  pardon.  Ainonff  them 
were  Mr.  Galloway,  and  Mr.  Alien,  who  had  been  members  of 
th6  continental  Consreta. 

88.  As  f^e  British  army  af^roached  Philadelphtn,  congress 
adjourned  to  Baltimore,  having  previously  invested  geperal 
n  aal^ington  with  "  full  power  to  oraer  and  direct  afl  tilings  re* 
lative  to  the  department,  and  totlic  operations  of  war.*'  Such 
unlimited  authority  could  not  h^ve  been  placed  in  hands  more 
worthy  to  hold  it  To  the  elastic  energy  of  his  mind,  and  his 
perfect  self-possession  in  the  most  desperate  circumstances,  is 
America,  in  a  great  degree,  hidebted  for  her  independence. 

89.  On  the  day  that  he  was  driven  over  the  Delaware,  the 
British  took  possession  of  Rhode  Iqland.  On  the  18th  of  De- 
cember, general  Lee,  having  wandered  firom  his  army,  was  sur- 
prised and  taken  prisoner.  In  the  emerience  and  talents  of  this 
officer,  the  people  reposed  great  conndence,  and  they  lamented 
his  loss  like  that  of  an  army.  In  its  consequences,  his  capture 
was  fortunate.  The  command  of  his  division  devolved  upon 
general  SulUvan,  who  eoiidueted  it  promptly  to  general  Wash- 
ington, augmenting  his  army  to  neariy  seven  thousand  effective 
men. 

40.  Still  so  much  stronger  were  the  enemy,  that  they  remrd- 
ed  the  rebels,  for  so  ^ey  delighted  to  call  tiie  patriots  of  that 
day,  as  almost  subdued,  and  doubted  not  that  a  vigoi^us  attempt, 
whenever  they  should  be  disposed  to  make  it,  would  place  in 
their  power  the  handful  of  men  before  them.  They  rioted  upon 
the  plunder  of  the  country,  and  enjoyed  In  prospect  tlie  fruits  of 
«n  assured  and  decisive  victory. 

^  1.  Washington  saw  that  this  tkle  of  111  fortune  must  be  stem- 
med—must even  be  rolled  back  upon  the  enemy— or  It  would 
soon  overwhelm  his  counfcnr.  He  resolved  to  haiard  all  tiiat 
was  left  In  one  v  gorous  effort  for  victory.  On  the  night  of  the 
26th  December,  at  the  head  of  two  thousand  four  hundred  men, 
he  crossed  the  Delaware  at  Trenton,  surprised  a  body  of  Hes* 
alans  stationed  at  that  nlace,  took  nine  hundred  prisoners,  and 
Immediately  neeroeaed,  navlng  lost  but  nine  of  his  men. 

42.  This  sudden  and  severe  blow  awakened  the  enemf  to  ae- 
ttvlty.  Gomwallls,  who  had  repaucd  to  New-York,  Intrusting 
to  his  inferior  officers  the  task  of  finishir^  the  -.rar,  returnetl, 
with  additional  troops,  to  regain  the  ground  that  had  been  lost. 
He  concentrated  his  forees  at  Princeton  {  and  soon  after,  Wash- 
ington, hnvinff  been  joined  by  a  body  of  Pennsylvania  milltia« 
and  persuaded  the  New-fingland  troops  to  serve  six  weeks  log- 
ger, again  croiMd  the  Delaware  and  took  post  at  Trenton. 


M ""''  ^ 


lee 


REVOUJTIONARl  WAR. 


£1776. 


I 


4A.  On^  tbe  2d  wf  Jaiiiaiy,  ir37,  the  greater  part  of  the  Bri* 
tiah  iHRi^  Biarclied  ta  aittack  the  AmeriMoa.  In  the  evening 
thi^  enoinped  near  Trenton,  in  fiili  expectation  o(  a  battle  mal 
iHlctorj  in  the  mond*:^.  Waatirigton,  seni^le  of  the  infenorlt; 
of  hie  force ;  aemdbie  too  that  Ql^  would  be  afanoat  as  fatiil  a  - 
de£Mut,  conceived  another  bold  project  which  he  reaolye'^  hi- 
atan^jr  to  execute. 

44.  About  midnij^  iMving  reiiewed  hk  fine,  he  .^ilendy  *ie- 
caniNMi,  Mid  gaining,  Iw  a,  circukinjis  route,  the  rear  oi'  the  ene- 
mj^  mardoked  towards- Pfiaeeton,  whex^  he  prt  >jumed  Comwal- 
Ifa  had  Keft  a  part  of  hia  troopa.  At  aunrlBe,  the  van  of  the 
Americ;;!^  foreaa  met  uneocpectedly  two  Biitidb  rogioieTas.  A 
afaarp  »Mion  eoaued ;  th^  fonner  g;ave  Huy.  At  this  ciisis,  vrhen 
all  ^vaa  sJ;.  •jitake,  the  eommandttvin^^ef  led  the  mum  i.^idy  to 
the  attuiok.  The  HM^mj  were  routed  and  fled.  Fortuoatelj  tU& 
heroie  Waahington  rlob^^h  t-xpos^:d  to  both  firea,  and  but  a  fow 
yards  diatani  Mm  eitl>"^i'  ^»aty,  escaped  unhurt. 

46.  laitead  c^purat  i/^,  thesn,  he  pressed  forward  to  Prince- 
ton, where  one  n  ^xi..y-\i  yM,  ien«iniad.  Part  saved  thenii^elves 
by  a  pi^eeipitate  tiiglit ;  about  three  hundred  were  made  I'lison- 
en.  The  British  loss  io^  killed  waa  upwards  of  one  hundred ; 
the  AmericKn  was  less,  but  in  the  number  were  the  brave  gene- 
ral lllercer,  ati^I  several  valuable  ofiloers.  Amon^  the  woimdod 
tvaa  lieutenant  James  Monroe,  afterwarda  raised  t>  the  highest 
oiilc9  in  the  gift  of  hia  IbUow  ciiiiens. 

46.  In  consternation,  the  BrUiah  army  inunediatelr  evacuated 
Trent  >o,  and  recreated  lo  Nfv/-Brunawick.  The  inhabitants, 
resumi&4;  their  courage,  ^  giving  foil  force  to  thefar  rage,  which 
fear  had  smothered,  took  revengia  for  the  brutalitiea  thev  had 
suffered.  The  enemy  wire  driven  from  all  their  poets  in  Kew- 
JeiTiey,  except  Amboy  and  Bn^^^swiok,  and  the  American  army 
obtained  secure  winter  qpiafteri  at  Monrlstown. 

47.  The  brilliant  vtotorieo  at  Trenton  and  Princeton  raised, 
from  the  lowest  depression,  the  spirits  of  the  American  people. 
Th<^  regarded  Waslungton  aa  the  saviour  of  his  country.  He 
beeune  ue  theme  of  eulogy  throagiuMit  Europe.  And  having 
displayed,  as  oocaaionB  demanded,  the  opposite  ^malities  of  cau- 
tion and  impetuoaitjr,  he  received  the  honorable  and  appreciate 
^{>pell«tion  of  tht  AmerlcAfi  Fa^us. 


\ 


CHAl^TEB  XIX. 


CAMPAIGN  OP  1777 


44*- 


r JjE  finsiMts  mttBtfiwlMl  hj  ewigrci,  when  disaster  an«l  de- 
feat had  afaneet  annihilated  tibe  Ameriean  army,  entiUes  the 
membera  to  4b»  graHtude  and  admiration  «f  every  friend  ef  free- 
dom Tkey  «ri^bited  no  symptom  of  terror  or  dismay.  They 
«'Oted  to  ¥&is<">  an  anny  to  tabe  ue  place  of  that  which  was  to  be 
i%banded  at  the  etkd  of  the  yettr ;  and,  made  senirfble  by  ex- 
p«Henee  Ihat  dhort  oi^AMbmenlii  bad  been  ,the  cause  of  most  of 
the  misfortunes  of  their  coui^,  they  resolved  that  the  new  le- 
vies lihenld  be  enlisted  to  serve  three  years  or  during  the  war, 
at  the  <mtion  of  the  individud  recndts.  To  defray  expenses, 
they  made  laarge  emisiAons  of  paper  money.  And  to  evince  their 
firm  determiMtioa  to  the  wond,  they  solemnly  declared  that 
they  would  Itoten  to  no  terms  of  peace  wldeh  required  a  relin- 
qiMmient  of  tiMir  independence,  or  which  idiouid  deprive  other 
nations  of  a  Iree  trade  to  tbeir  ports. 

3.  Relying  en  Uie  inveterate  onmity  of  Firance  against  Great 
Britain,  they  sent  commissioners  to  that  court,  with  instructions 
to  soUdt « lean  of  money,  a  supply  of  munitions  of  war,  and  an 
aeknofvtedgment  of  the  hidependenee  of  the  United  States* 
These  eommissioners  were  Dr.  Fraidtlin,  Silas  Dean,  and  At* 
thm>  Lee.  Fraiddin  arrived  at  Paris  in  December.  The  cause 
of  which  h»  was  tlie  advocate,  and  hto  own  great  fiune  as  a  phi- 
losophoT)  proewed  him  a  flattering  reception  from  all  ranks  of 
people.  Amerioa,  hermlnister, her  stru^e  against  oppression, 
heeame  the  tfwmes  of  popular  cHscoune,  ana  the  government 
itsdf  was  rsndsred  (n  secret  proptHous  to  her  cause. 

8.  The  ministry  permitted  arms,  covertly  taken  fjrom  the 
pubMe  mmmIs,  to  be  eonmed  to  the  United  States.  They 
conniv<ed  at  the  sdte,  In  their  West  India  Islands,  and  even  In  the 
ports  of  France,  of  the  priies  tnken  by  Ameriean  privatetn. 
The  vidiie  of  Iheee  prises  made  In  the  yeaor  1T70,  was  oompu- 
ted  a*  fine  mlllioni  of  ^Han,  tad  kr  exceeded  ttiat  of  Ihi  eap* 
tHMi  made  by  the  eniny^ 

4.  i»  poputar  WBi  0M  tame  of  the  United  StiMi,  and  ip 
Mdted   liie  ohsriMJier  tf  fiMir  uBItaij  leadMr,  thi*  mai^ 


168 


REVOLtJTIONARt  WAE. 


[1777. 


and  cnthusiaBm.  At  an  earlj  period,  he  communicated  to  Jie 
American  agents  his  wUi  to  jdin  thd  republican  annies.  At 
first,  ihey  encouraged  his  zeal,  but  learning  the  disasters  which 
preceded  the  victoiy  at  Trenton,  they,  with  honorable  frankness, 
communicated  the  information  to  him,  »^  added  that  they  were 
so  destitute  of  funds,  that  itbey  could  not  eren  provide  for  his  pas^ 
sage  across'the  ocean. 

6.  "  If  your  countcyV'  leplied  the  gallant  youth,  **  is  Utdeed 
reduced  to  this  extremity,  it  is  at  this  moment  that  my  departure 
to  jofai  her  armies  will  render  her  the  most  essen^  service." 
He  immediately  hired  a  vessel  to  convey  him  to  America,  where 
he  arrived  in  the  spring  of  1777.  He  was  received  with  cor- 
dial affection  by  the  people,  became  the  bosom  friend  of  Wash- 
ington, solicited  permission  to  serve  without  pay,  and  was  ap- 
pointed ms^or^general  in  the  army. 

6.  In  the  last  campaign,  more  prisoners  had  been  taken  by 
tie  British  than  by  the  Ainericans.  They  were  detahied  at 
New- York,  and  were  confined  in  churdies  and  prison  ships, 
where  they-  endured  the  extremity  of  wretchedness.  They 
were  exposed,  without  fire  and  almost  without  dothes,  to  the 
inclemency  of  a  severe  winter ;  were  often  whole  days  with-'TUt 
food,  and  when  food  was  offered,  it  was  but  a  miserable  pittance, 
damaged  and  loathsome.  Many  died  of  hunger,  an4  fOBore  of 
diseases,  produced  by  their  complicated  eufferings. 

7.  Washington  imnonstrated  with  warmth,  and  threatened 
retaliation.  After  his  victories  In  New*Jersey,  thfSir  treatment 
was  less  inhuman.  An  exchange  was  agreed  i^xm,  but  many, 
when  attempting  to  walk  from  their  places  of  confinement  to  ik^ 
vessels  prorided  to  convey  them  away,  MH  and  «i9uwd  in  the 
streets.  Yet  in  the  mUlst  of  these  unparalleled  ■ufferings,  they 
had  exhibited  fortitude  more  rare,  and  mor^  honorable  to  hu- 
man nature,  than  the  highest  display  of  valw  hi  battle.  To  en- 
tice them  to  enlist  in  the  rojral  army,  thev  were  promised  relief 
from  misenr,  and  the  enjoyment  of  abundance.  Iliey  rejected 
the  offer  with  disdain;  thus  ghrlng  to  the  worid  the  noblest  proof 
of  the  absence  of  all  mercenary  motive,  and  of  the  ifaMerity 
and  fervor  of  their  devotion  to  their  country. 

8.  Near  the  end  of  May,  the  American  amnr,  wfaleh  had 
been  aumented  by  reeruits  to  ahnoit  ten  thousand  ivien,  moved 
from  Morristown,  and  took  a  strong  poaltion  lal  MkUlebreok. 
The  British,  soon  after,  left  their  enoan^meBt,  and  general 
Howe  endeavored,  bv  various  movemeati,  to  Induot  general 
Washington  to  quit  me  8trQii|  boU  uA  meet  him  on  equal 
mmd.  But  the  latter,  adfaenng  to  hie  Fabian  syatempfwar- 
&ur%  detennlned  to  mnla  b  the  perfttoa  he  M  «heMB. 


[1T77. 

ited  to  Jie 
mies.  At 
ers  which 
franknen, 
they  were 
'orhispaap 

*  ii  faideed 
departure 
,  service.*' 
ice,  where 
with  cor- 
1  of  Wwih- 
id  was  ap- 

I  taken  by 
letained  at 
risonshipSf 
ss.  They 
thes,  to  the 
lys  wil^'nit 
le  pittance, 
id  fnore  of 

4 

threatened 
tveatnient 
bat  many, 
nenttottu 
red  In  the 
rings,  they 
ible  to  htt« 
.    To  en- 

reUef 
y  rejected 

proof 
sfaMefHy 


irre.] 


REVOLUTIONAIIY  WAIL 


169 


■  S.  <3eneral  H6we|  chahgbig  his  purpose,  tranflportcd  his  army 
td  6fcaten  Island.  He  there  embarked  sixteen  thousand  troops 
ottboaid  a  lai^  fliEwt,  and^  leaving  Sir  Henry  Clinton  in  com- 
mand at  New-Yoric,  put  out  to.  sea  on  the  26Ui  of  July.  His 
destinMion  was  careniUy  kep2  secret.  On  the  20th  of  Augiist, 
the  fleet  entered  Chessupeake  bay,  and  rendered  it  certain  that  an 
attack  upon  PhHadeliriiia  was  intended.  The  froops  were  landed 
at  £lk  lenry,  in  Maryland)  fifly  miles  south  of  that  city. 

to*  The  American  army  hnmediately  crossed  the  Delaware, 
and,  passhig  through  Philadelphia,  directed  its  march  toward^ 
die  enemy.  The  people,  weary  of  delaj^  and  indecisive  move- 
ments, demanded  dtat  a  general  enmgement  should  be  hazarded 
for  the  defence  of  the  metropolis.  Yl^ushington,  yielding  to  their 
wishes,  to  !>k  a  position  on  the  eastern  bank  of  Brandy^vine  creek, 
and  in  thf  direction  of  the  enemy's  route. 

11.  On  the  eleventh  of  September,  the  British  army  appeared, 
and,  crossing  the  creek  at  several  fords,  commenced  an  attack 
upon  the  American  right,  which,  after  a  short  resistance,  gave 
way.  The  other  divisions,  successively  attacked^  gave  lyay  in 
like  manner,  and  the  rout  becoming  genex«l,  a  retreat  was  or- 
dered to  Chester^ 

12.  Several  portions  of  the  American  army,  particularly  a 
brigade  from  Tirginia,  exl^ited  hi  this  battle  great  firmness  and 
bmverr.  The  misconduct  of  others  rendered  their  bravery 
unavaiUng*  The  American  loss  amounted  to  twelve  hundred ; 
the  BritiMi  to  no  more  than  half  that  number.  The  Marquis  de 
la  Fayette  took  part  hi  the  engagement  and  was  wounded.  The 
next  day,  the  army  rethned  to  Philadelphia,  and  soon  after  to 
Reading,  where  a  quant^  of  stores  had  been  depoidted.  The 
retreat  was  performed  widiout  a'murmur,  although  many  marched 
wtUiout  shoes,  and  slept  on|  the  around  without  blankets.  On 
the  26th  of  September,  general  Howe  entered  Philadelphia  in 
triumph;  Congren  having  previously  removed  to  Lancaster* 

19.  The  transactions  oi  the  contendhug  armies  at  the  north, 
»tnce  the  termination  of  the  expedition  to  Canada,  now  demand 
our  attention.  The  Americans  halted  at  Crownpohit,  the  Britidi 
at  St  Johns,  and  both  eniployed  die  rem«hider  of  die  summer 
in  bttildhig  vessels  and  makhig  preparatiooi  to  secure  the  com* 
mand  of  lake  v^hamphhi. 

14.  On  die  lldi  of  October,  1776,  die  American  end  Britbh 
squadrons  met,  colonel  Arnold,  who  had  been  a  sailor  in  hii 
youth,  commanding  the  former.  After  a  shoit  contest,  thi 
enemy,  not  being  tlMH  able  to  bring  their  wliole  force  bito  actlon» 
vedrad.  The  next  day,  Ihey  returned  to  the  combat,  and  being 
greedy  luperior)  drove  the  American  squadron  before  theai|  tp 


xto 


BETOLXrnONAET  WAB. 


[1776; 


^  fae&d  of  the  Isdce.  A  sharp  action  Umh  took  place ;  theoffi- 
eera  and  men  fou^^t  gallantty,  but  Aniold  losmg  a  part  of  his 
force,  and  perceiving  .defeat  to  be  inevitable,  ran  tlie  remamder 
of  his  vessels  on  shore  and  set  them  on  fire. 

15.  Winter  approaching,  governor  Carleton  retnmed  with  hie 
troops  to  Canada.  Gaieral  Burgoyne,  who  had  served  under 
him  during  the  last  campaign,  made  a  voyage  to  England  to  con- 
cert a  jplan  fw  future  opendons.  It  was  determined  that  a 
powerim  en>^)  departing  from  Montreal^  should  proceed,  by 
way  of  lake  Cham^ls^  to  the  Hudson,  with  the  view  of  obtain- 
ing, by  the  co-opf;ration  of  the  anay  at  New-Toirk,  the  mttire 
command  of  that  river.  All  commonication  Initween  the  states 
of  New-England,  and  the  others  lyiiog  south  of  them,  would  Uius 
be  prevented.  Either  section,  aHone  and  unsupported,  could,  it 
was  supposed,  l>e  easily  sulidued ;  and  Ihe  whole  strength  titihe 
nation  might  tiien  be  directed  against  the  other. 

16.  NotUng  was  omitted  which  might  insure  the  success  of 
this  project  Seven  thousand  choice  troops,  to  be  sent  from 
England,  were  allotted  to  the  service.  They  were  supplied  with 
va  excellent  train  of  brass  artillery,  and  with  every  thing  which 
xould  add  to  their  efficiency  as  an  army.  The  commcmd  was 
given  to  Burgoyne,  and  several  officers  of  distinguished  reputa- 
tion wei'e  seteoted  to  serve  under  him. 

17.  6eneralSchuylerofNew-York,awortlqr  officer,  whose 
talents  were  solid  but  not  brilliant,  had  the  chi^  command  of 
the  northern  departmMit.  He  was  indefatigable  in  making  pre- 
parations for  defencie ;  and  such  wa.s  iiis  zeal  in  the  cause  (n  in- 
dependence, and  such  his  deserved  popui  rity  in  his  native  state, 
that  he  doubtless  accomplished  more  tlian  any  other  person  could 
have  done.  Still,  at  a  late  period  in  the  iqHping,  tne  fortifica- 
tions were  incomplete,  and  out  few  troops  or  munitions  of  war 
were  collected. 

18.  Yer^  early  in  the  season,  Burgoyne  arrived  at  Quebec. 
He  immediately  deqpatc^ed  colonel  St.  Leser  with  a  party  of 
regulars,  tories,  and  Indians,  by  the  way  ofthe  St.  Lawrence  to 
Oswego,  dfarecting  him  to  proceed  thence  to  the  Mohawk,  and 
join  hhn  at  Albany.  WItii  tiie  mdn  army,  augmented,  in  Cana- 
da, to  ten  thoueand  men,  he  hastened  to  Tleonderoga,  before 
w  lich  he  appeared  on  ^e  first  of  July.  On  his  way,  he  held  a 
conference,  at  tiie  river  Bouquet,  with  a  large  number  of  savages, 
vrtiem  Brttiah  aaente  had  persuaded  to  johi  tiie  army. 

19.  The  ganwon  of  Tioondero|a,wmeh  was  then  commanded 
}if  genera!  St.  Clair,  was  iasufflelent  to  defend  Ik  against  so 
ptmful  a  foree.  ItwMevaouatodlnthenighloftiM6th,dM 
Ifoopa  crossing  lake  Champtabaad  rstreatfaig  towards  Cailletoii« 


irrr.] 


REVOLUTIONARY  WAR. 


in 


in  VemUNDt.  The  enemy  punmed,  and  on  the  morning  of  the 
7tb,  their  van  overtook  toad  attacked  Uie  American  rear,  under 
coloneb  FVancis  and  Warner.  The  action  was  warm  aioMi  weXL 
contested ;  but  othor  troops  arriybg  to  the  akl  of  the  Rritkdi, 
the  Americans  were  compelled  to  jfve  way. 

20.  The  retreat  now  became  precipitate  and  disorderly ;  the 
pursuit  rapid  and  persevering.  At  lenffth,  the  republican  army, 
diminished  in  number ;  esdiainted  by  fatigue,  and  diqpirited  by 
misfortunes,  arrived,  by  various  routes,  at  fort  Edwud,  (m  tibe 
Hudson,  the  head-quarters  of  general  Schuyler.  These  disa»> 
trous  events  spread  temw  and  msmay  throughout  the  land.  The 
people,  ignorant  of  the  weakness  of  the  army,  attributed  its  re- 
treat to  cowaitiice  or  treachery,  and  trembled  at  the  dangers 
which  menaced  them  from  the  British,  Germans,  and  savages. 

21.  The  royal  forces,  elated  by  success,  proceeded  through 
(he  wildemess  towards  fort  £dward.  Their  progress  was  slow 
and  toilsome.  General  Schuyler,  on  their  approach,  evacuated 
the  fort,  and  reUred  across  the  Hudson  to  Saratoga.  Soon  af- 
ter, he  descended  the  river  to  Stillwater ;  and,  the  British  con- 
tfaming  to  advance,  he  retreated,  on  the  14th  of  August,  to«the 
islands  at  ttie  conAuence  of  the  Mohawk  and  Hudson,  a  few 
nules  norU^  of  Troy.  About  the  same  time,  hitdUgenee  was 
received,  that  St  Leger,  having  penetrated  from  Oswego  to  the 
Mohawk,  had  laid  siege  to  fjit  Schuyler,  situated  in  the  preecnt 
tovmsUp  of  Rome. 

22.  The  American  general,  before  leaving  fort  Edward,  is* 
sued  a  proclamation  caUing  to  his  aid  the  nmitia  of  New-Eng- 
land and  New-Tork.  Aroused  W  the  danger,  multitudes  obeyed 
lAt  call.  Termont  poured  forth  her  daring  Green-Mountain 
boys »  the  other  states  of  New-England  their  hardy  yeomanry, 
ardent  in  the  cause  of  freedom ;  New^Tork,  her  valiant  sons^ 
indignant  at  this  invasion  of  her  territory,  and  determhied  to 
protect  their  property  from  pillage  and  destruction.  These  be- 
set the  invaders  on  every  side,  impedhig  their  progress,  cutting 
off  their  supplies,  and  fatiguing  them  by  incessant  attaclu. 

23.  Bui^yne,  findiog  it  difficult  to  transport  his  proviaiom 
through  the  wilderness,  despatched  colonel  Baum,  with  five  hun^ 
dred  Hessians,  to  seize  a  quantity  of  beef  and  flour  which  the 
Americans  had  collected  and  deposited  at  Bennington.  Fortu- 
nately, oeneral  Stark,  at  the  head  of  a  party  of  New-Hampshire 
miliUa,  had  just  arrived  at  that  place,  on  his  viray  to  the  mun  ar- 
my, and  been  joined  by  volunteers  from  the  immediate  n«igh# 
borhood.  Baum,  ascertaining  their  number  to  be  greater  Uian 
his  own,  hdted  near  Bennington,  erected  breastworks,  and  sent 
back  for  a  reinforcement, 


XTi 


RETOLtTlONAIlt  'WAR. 


lim. 


24.  In  several  skirmishes  between  smsdl  detachments^  the 
mOitia  were  unifbnnlj  successful.  This  sharpenmg  their  cou- 
rage, Stark  resohred  to  attax;k  the  main  body.  On  the  10th  of 
August,  a  fierce  and  songuinaiy  battle  took  place.  For  two 
hours,  the  Hessians  fought  brinrelf,  but  their  works^  assanlted 
by  braver  troops,  were  at  length  entered,  and  most  of  the  de- 
tachment eithor  killed  or  made  prisoners. 

25.  Just  after  this  Action  had  termmated,  colonel  Breyman 
arrived  with  the  rehiforcement  sent  to  Baum.  The  militia,  ap- 
preliendhig  no  danger,  had  dispersed  in  pursuit  of  plunder  or  the 
fugitives.  By  carelessness  was  nearly  lost  aU  tha^  by  valor  had 
been  g^ed.  Hapoily,  at  tiiis  critical  juncture,  colonel  Watmer 
arrived  from  Manchester  with  a  continental  regiment,  and  im- 
mediately fell  uji>0h  Breyman.  The  militia,  rdlying,  hastened 
to  his  aid.  The  battle  conthiued  until  sunset,  when  tibe  enemy 
retareated,  and  under  cover  of  the  night  the  greater  part  effected 
tfaeur  escape. 

26.  ThiB  tide  of  fortune  was  now  turned.  The  decisfare  victory 
at  Benhhigton  difihsed  confidence  and  joy.  The  friends  of  in- 
(fif^pehdence,  befbre  depressed  by  disaster  and  defeatj  were  now 
animated  by  the  prospect,  which  suddenly  burst  upon  them,  of 
a  glorious  victmry  over  an  arrogant  and  once  dreaded  enemy. 
The  greatest  sseal  and  acthrity  were  every  where  displayed. 
Again  crowds  of  miUtia  fiodkea  to  the  republican  <»nm. 

27.  In  a  few  days,  cheering  intelligence  arrived  firom  nirtSchuy- 
ler.  The  gainrisoh  under  eolonels  C^ansevoort  and  WUlet,  had, 
in  the;  midst  of  the  most  discouraghu;  circumstances,  mad»  a  gal- 
lant diefence  against  the  forces  of  St.  Leger.  General  Herki- 
mer, marching  with  eight  hundred  n^tia  to  their  relief,  fdl  into 
an  amibuscade,  was  defeated  and  Shin ;  but  a  larger  party  waB 
speedily  collected  and  immediately  despatched,  under  general 
arnold,  upon  the  same  service. 

28..  The  Indians,  alarmed  by  their  approach,  and  fatigued  and 
disgusted  by  the  protracted  labors  of  the  sieffe,  threatened  to 
abandon  St.  Leger,  if  he  would  not  relinquish  his  enterprisov 
He  reluctantly  consented,  and  with  the  loss  of  his  baggaee  and 
stores  retreated  to  Montreal.  Burgoyne  waff  thu»  depr^ed  of 
his  expected  co-operation,  and  the  militia  of  that  part  of  the  state 
tvere  enaUed  to  join  the  American  army. 

20.  The  disasters  which  befell  this  army  at  the  commence- 
ment of  the  campaign  induced  congress  to  recall  the  generals 
tiho  commandea  it,  and  to  appohit,  in  their  pbces,  generals 
Gatbs,  Lincoln,  and  Arnold.  I&ving  the  control  of  more  abun- 
dant and  powerfol  means,  they  acted  with  more  energy  and 
Md&ess.    Gates,  leaving  the  encampment  on  the  islands,  te 


irn.] 


REVOI^UTIONART  WiUI. 


m 


i,  ttSSaiUted 


whkli  SchuyW  had  v«trc!B|04,  tdwiced,  in  the  beginning  o£ 
September,  to  the  neii^bboiiiQQd  of  Stptwaiter. 

ao.  BurgoyiMy  after  tb^  4e£Mt  of  Bwin^  was  c^^ 
recoune»  for  pro«i«ionsy  to  ^  ww^iagipiw  at  feirt  George.  The 
laborious  taak  of  transpoiing  thmi  thcoo^  the  wiM^mesa  to 
the  HudaoB  being  aocop^^Uitieda  ^  moved  ferwaid,  and  on  the 
17th  of  September,  eneamp«d  ><^thin  four  mUes  of  the  Ame- 
rican armyv 

31.  The  next  day,  the  first  battle  of  StiUwater  was  fou{^ 
It  was  begun  by  skirmishes  b^ween  the  scouting  parties  of  Ihe 
two  armies,  which  were  respectively  and  repeatedly  reinforced^ 
until  nearly  the  whole  of  each  was  enfimied.  Both  fought  with 
determined  resolution ;  they  altematSy  drove  and  were  driven 
by  each  other.  A  contiPttaL  biwije  of  mr%  waf  l^ept  up,  ]|fen, 
and  particularly  officers  >  dropped  evei^  moment  and  on  every 
Bide.    Night  put  an  eiid  to  the  conflict. 

32.  The  American  anny  retired  to  their  camp ;  the  British 
lay  on  their  arms  near  the  field  of  battle,  l^he  |oss  of  tibus  former 
was  three  hundred  and  nineteen ;  that  of  the  latter  exceedfid 
five  hundred*  Each  claimed  the  victory :  the  eonsequences  of 
defeat  wore  felt  by  ihe  British  alone.  Their  hopes  of  success 
were  dimkished,  tiieir  Indian  allies,  the  Canadiaiiis  and  to^es, 
were  disheartened  and  deserted  them. 

33.  Pressed  pa  all  sides,  Burgoyne  made  frequent  and  ur- 
gent applicationa  to  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  at  New*Vorii,  for  aid, 
and  informed  him  that,  in  expectation  of  such  aid,  he  would 
maintain  his  present  position  until  the  12th  of  October.  H^ 
diminished  the  allowance  of  provisions  to  hb  soldiers,  and  having 
waited  until  tibe  7th,  without  receiving  any  hitelligence  from 
Clinton,  determined  to  make  another  mal  oif  stifength  with  his 
adversary. 

34.  He  made  dispositions  to  commence  the  action  with  the 
right  wing  of  his  army ;  Gates,  discovering  his  design,  madie 
a  sudden  and  vioorous  attack  upon  the  left.  In  a  sl^rt  time, 
the  whole  of  both  armies  was  engaged.  This  battie  was  furiou8> 
obstinate,  and  more  bloodv  tiian  Uie  other.  Arnold  was  emi- 
nentiy  distinguished  for  his  bravery  and  rashness.  Towards 
night,  the  enemy^  who  had  fought  with  dssperate  valor,  gave 
way.  A  part  of  their  works  were  stormed  and  taken,  and 
more  than  two  hundred  man  made  prisoners. , 

86.  Darkness  put  an  end  to  this  action  also.  The  Ameri- 
cans lay  upon  their  arms  near  the  enemy's  lines,  ktendbg  to 
renew  me  battle  the  next  day ;  but  Burgovne,  during  die  nkdi^ 
withdrew  to  a  stronger  position.  Gates  mrbore  to  punraeilyi- 
Ueving  that  a  Uoodless  victory  was  now  in  his  power. 

Pa 


m 


REVOLUTIONARY  WAR. 


[1T77. 


d6.  In  the  mean  time,  Sir  Heniy  Clinton  despatched  general 
Vaughan  with  three  thousand  men,  to  endeavor  to  relieve  Bur- 
goyne.  He  aseeided  the  Hadson,  and  on  the  edxih  of  October, 
assaulted  and  took  fort  Monteomery ;  but  instead  of  hastening 
forward,  he  consumed  a  wh(3e  week  in  pilla^g  and  burning 
Esopus,  and  other  flourishhig  villages  on  the  river.  He  perhaps 
expected  that  thU  wanton  destru^on  of  property  would  draw 
on  a  part  of  the  forces  under  Gates  ;  but  It  had  no  other  effect 
than  to  exasperate  the  inhabitants. 

37.  Burgo/ne,  perceiving  that  his  antagonist  was  endeavor* 
ing  to  fturround  him,  retreated  to  the  heights  of  Saratoga.  The 
Americans  pursued,  keepbg  a  sufficient  force  on  the  east  bank 
of  the  river  to  prevent  nim  from  crossinff.  The  situation  of 
the  British  troops  was  now  distresshig  in  we  extreme.  Manv 
of  their  most  valued  officers  had  been  killed.  Their  strengu 
was  exhausted  by  incessant  exertion ;  they  were  almost  enchr- 
cled  by  their  enemy,  and  were  greatlv  annoved  by  a  continual 
and  destructive  cannonade.  From  this  forlorn  condition  but 
one  mode  of  escape  remahied,  a  forced  march  in  the  night  to 
fort  George.  This  expedient  was  resolved  on,  and  preparations 
were  made ;  but  the  scouts  sent  out  returned  with  intelligence 
that  all  the  passes  were  guarded  by  strong  bodies  of  militia. 
*  88.  An  account  of  provisions  was  then  taken,  and  a  supply 
for  no  more  than  three  davs  was  found  on  hand.  No  hope  of 
rescue  within  that  time  could  be  indulged.  Burgoyne  summon^ 
ed  his  principal  officers  to  a  council.  It  is  said  that  while  de- 
liberating, a  cannon  ball  crossed  the  table  around  which  thev 
aat.  By  their  unanimous  advice,  ho  opened  a  negotiation  with 
tfie'  American  general,  and  on  the  17lh  of  October,  surrendered 
his  whole  army  prisoners  of  war. 

89.  Great  were  the  rejoicings  occasioned  by  this  glodouff 
victory.  Many  supposed  it  would  terminate  the  contest  In 
the  joy  of  success,  all  feeling,  of  reiientment  wore  forgotten. 
From  regard  to  the  feelings  of  the  vanquished,  general  Gates, 
while  tiiey  wre  piling  their  arms,  kept  the  victorious  troopn 
within  his  cainp  The  British  officers,  in  social  converse  with 
the  Americans,  were  led  to  foi|fet  their  misfortune,  and  thi^ 
troops,  when  on  their  march  to  Massachusetts,  did  not  receive 
fVom  the  people  that  vindictive  treatment  whieli  their  distressing 
depredations,  and  those  of  their  fellow  soldiers  under  Vaughan, 
would  have  excused,  if  not  justified. 

40.  Ap;ain8t  this  band  of  marauders,  general  Gates  marched 
soon  after  Uie  capitulation  was  signed  ;  but  on  Ifcaming  the  fate 
of  Burgoyne,  they  retired  to  New- York.  About  the  same  time, 
Uw  garrison  left  at  Tioonderoga,  having  rendered  their  cannon 


ifn.] 


BEVOLUTIONARY  WAR. 


U8eleA9|  returned  to  Canada,  and  the  northern  department  waa 
restored  to  perfect  tranquili^* 

41.  While  the  exertions  of  Ae  nor&em  army  were  rewarded 
by  brilliant  snccess,  that  of  the  souUi,  equally  brave  and  meri- 
torious, but  enfSBebled  by  the  detachments  which  Washington 
generously  spared  to  Gates,  sustahied  distresshig  reverses. 
The  greatest  was  at  Germantown,  in  the  vichuty  of  IPbiladel- 
phia,  where  the  main  body  of  the  enemy  wis  stationed. 

42.  Upon  this  body,  at  sunrise,  on  the  fourth  of  October,  the 
American  general  made  a  bold  and  v^guroos  attack.  So  sudden 
and  spirited  was  the  onset,  tliat  the  enemy,  unable  to  sustafai  it) 
fled,  and  a  complete  victory  appeared  in  prospect.  But  six  Bri- 
tish companies,  wliile  retreating,  tlu«w  Uiemsolves  into  a  large 
stone  house,  from  which,  in  entire  safety,  they  poured  adestruc- 
Uve  fire  upon  the  American  troops.  The  pursuit  was  arrested) 
and  much  time  consumed  in  a  vain  attempt  to  demolish  this  for* 
tress. 

48.  The  fugitives  rallied,  and  turned  upon  the  assailants. 
Confusion  followed,  and  a  thick  fog,  which  that  moment  arose, 
increased  it.  The  different  divisions,  ignoriemt  of  the  positiouH 
and  success  of  the  others,  uncertabi  even  as  to  their  own,  acted 
with  indecision  and  timidity.  A  retreat  was  therefore  directed, 
and  the  troops  withdrew  In  good  order. 

44.  In  this  action,  In  which  fortune  snatoiwd  victory  from  the 
grasp  of  the  Americans,  they  sustained  o  loss  of  twelve  Imiidred 
men ;  that  of  the  British  was  less  than  six  hundred.  Bui  the 
vanquished  sustahied  no  loss  of  reputilton  nor  confidence.  Their 
country  applauded  the  boldness  of  the  attemot,  and  the  mcmv 
felt  higher  respect  for  their  courage  and  dlsctplinf. 

46.  The  British  army  soon  after  left  G«raiani.>*vo,  and 
marched  to  attack  the  American  posts  on  the  river  Dc(»wurf 
below  Philadelphia.  On  the  22d  of  October,  a  hin^y  of  twe)v<> 
hundred  Hessians,  commander'  by  count  Donop,  maJo  an  iiUrV' 
pid  assault  upon  the  fortifications  at  Red  Bank.  I'hey  were  re 
pulsed  with  (treat  loss,  and  their  gallant  leader  kiiied. 

46.  Fort  Mifflin,  on  Mud  Island,  was  next  attacked.  For  dK 
days  it  was  bravely  defended.  It  was  then  evacuated,  tiiu  wotiu 
having  been  almost  demolished  by  tho  eneniy'ct  artillery.  Pre 
parations  being  made  for  a  secon«  oAsault,  witli  a  nmcii  larger 
iorco,  upon  the  post  at  Red  Bank,  that  wom  also  cvocuatod,  and 
thus  was  opened  a  free  conununicatiort  Itetwern  tlie  RrKiHh  arm> 
and  their  fleet,  which  had  sailed  round  to  tiie  mouth  of  tliu  De- 
laware. 

47.  After  several  movements  of  the  respective  onnies,  which 
bud  BO  Important  result,  general  Wrihhigtou  withdrov  to  wintei 


m 


EEYOLUTIONART  WAR. 


[1778. 


quarters  in  the  woods  of  Valley  Forge.  His  troops  were  deili> 
tute  of  shoes,  and  might  have  been  tracked  by  the  blood  of  tbmi' 
feet.  They  passed  the  winter  in  huts,  suffered  extreme  distress 
from  want  of  clothing  and  of  food,  but  endured  their  privations 
without  a  murmur.  How  strong  must  have  been  their  love  of 
liberty !  With  what  lively  gratitude  ou^t  a  prosperous  country, 
indebted  to  them  for  the  most  valuable  blessings,  to  remember 
their  aufierings  and  services  ? 


'•-t;^"  ,H  ,v 

Q- 

>'•■  ■ 

.      r         .  ■ 

-'(K 

■4^^-^ 

■•  r"rfi'l; 

-  y  f «' 

■   .•',^»    *     « 

,:•,  y":-,  ,•  . 

.        5,^v'. 

'•:>'■ 


('•ii" 


*r  <  >  * 


>  CHAPTER  XX. 


•  J.'..    : 


.,..   4 


';;    ''.•,]'<, 


CAMPAIGN  OF  1778. 

■•4:  :     M-iV.     f,". 


WHIL£  the  American  armies  were  contending  in  the  field, 
or  suflering  in  the  camp,  congress  were  occupied  in  the  per- 
formance of  duties  important  to  the  cause  of  independence.  At 
first,  tliis  body  possessed  no  powers,  but  such  as  were  conferred 
by  the  credentials  and  instructions  given,  by  the  state  legislaturefci, 
to  their  respective  delegates.  Early  hi  1776,  a  confederation  of 
the  states  was  proposed ;  but  until  the  16th  of  November,  1777, 
all  the  obstacles  to  the  measure  could  not  be  surmounted. 

2.  The  "  Articles  of  Confederation"  then  adopted  by  Con- 
gress, and  subsequently  ratiiiod  by  the  several  assemblies,  bound 
the  states  In  a  firm  league  of  friendship  with  each  other,  for  their 
common  defence  and  til  o  security  of  their  liberties.  Delegates 
were  to  be  annually  appointed,  who,  when  assembled  in  con- 
gress, were  authorized  to  carry  on  war,  to  make  peace,  and  to 
exercise  tliA  powers  of  sovereignty  in  r«3latlon  to  foreign  nations. 
They  were  also  authorized  to  dotermine  the  number  of  men, 
and  the  amount  of  money  to  be  raiRed,  and  tu  assign  to  each  state 
its  just  proportion. 

3.  Rut  so  unwilling  were  the  Mtaleo  to  relinquish  their  recently 
assumed  independence,  that  they  withhold  from  contfreas  the  au- 
thority to  maKe  lawa  wliirh  should  opemte  directly  upon  tiie 
people ;  and  reserved  to  thenutelvc!!  tiiu  solo  right  of  ralsuig  their 
proportions  of  money  in  such  manner  as  oa  :h  might  deem  most 
expedient. 

4.  Congress  also  effected  a  thorough  reform  of  the  oonunis* 
•ary  department,  in  which  soandaioua  ^Auds  had  bean  oommittf  u! 


ifrs] 


REVOLUTIONART  WAR. 


lit 


And  in  ordisrto  introduce  a  uniform  frjrstem  of  tactics  and 
discipline,  they  resolved  that  an  inspector>general  should  be  ap* 
pointed.  Subsequently  they  elected  to  that  office  ^e  Baron 
Steuben,  a  native  of  Prussia,  who  had  served  in  a  hiffh  station  in 
the  anny  of  Frederic  the  great,  and  was  well  versed  in  the  sys- 
tem of  manoeuvres  introduced  by  that  celebrated  commander. 

5.  The  signal  victory  at  Saratoga  exalted  the  reputation  of 
the  confederated  states,  in  every  part  of  Europe.  The  French 
ministry  no  longer  hesitated  to  acknowledge  their  independence. 
On  the  sixth  of  February,  they  concluded,  with  the  American 
commissioners,  treaties  of  commerce  and  uf  alliance,  in  which 
they  generously  assented  to  terms  highly  advantageous  to  the 
states.  This  event,  so  flatteHng  to  the  hopes  and  the  pride  of 
the  people,  occasioned  the  liveliest  joy,  and  the  most  ardent 
gratitude  to  France. 

6.  Among  the  people  of  Great  Britain,  the  defeat  of  their 
favorite  general  produced  astonishment,  dismay,  and  indignation. 
The  most  brilliant  success  was  anticipated ;.  the  most  ignomi- 
nious result  had  occurred.  The  pride  of  tiie  nation  was  humbled, 
and  they  who  had  disapproved  of  the  war,  poured  upon  the 
ministry  a  torrent  of  in/ective.  To  increase  the  bitterness  of 
their  chagrin,  they  soon  learned  the  course  whicli  their  lieredi- 
tary  enemy  and  rival  had  resolved  to  pursue. 

7.  It  was  now  determined  in  the  cabinet,  to  grant  to  Amorica 
all  that  she  had  demanded,  in  the  beginning  of  the  coi.test.  ^  » 
act  was  passed,  declaring  that  parliament  would  not,  in  future, 
impose  any  tax  upon  the  colonies ;  and  cominissionei-s  were  ueai; 
over,  authorized  to  proclaim  a  repeal  of  tUI  the  offennive  statutes, 
and  to  treat  with  the  constituted  authoritien  of  Ameri'' 

8.  The  commissioners,  arriving  at  Philadelpiiia  hi  the  "ipring, 
communicated  to  congress  the  terniH  offered  t)y  Great  Britain, 
which  were  ot  once  unanimously  rejected.  Failing  in  the  une 
of  direct  .-xnd  honorable  means,  tliey  attempteti  briber)  >uid  cor- 
ruption. To  Joseph  Reed,  a  general  in  the  tt-iny  and  n  mem.- 
ber  of  congress,  an  offer  was  made  of  ten  tiiousand  pounds 
sterling,  and  any  office  within  Ills  majesty's  gift  hi  tin*  i oijnies, 
if  he  would  endeavor  to  effect  a  i-eunion  of  tlie  two  countries. 
"  I  am  not  worth  purchashig,"  he  nobly  rbpliud,  "  but  sucU  usi 
1  am,  the  king  of  Great  Britain  is  not  rich  enough  to  do  it." 

0.  On  receiving  official  notification  of  the  treaties  concluded 
with  her  revolted  colonies.  Great  Britain  declared  war  againM 
France;  aixd  the  n.inl8try,  presuming  that  assistance  would  be 
Btnt  them,  transmitted  oraers  by  the  commissioners,  that  Phila- 
delphia should  be  evacuated,  and  the  royal  troops  concentrated 
at  Now- York.     The  execution  of  these  orders  dcvolval  upuai, 


1Y8 


REVOLUTIONARY  WAR. 


[irre. 


sir  Heniy  Clinton,  who,  general  Howe  hmring  reaigned,  had 
been  appointed  commander-in-chief.  On  the  18th  of  June,  the 
enemy  quitted  the  city,  and  marched  slowly  eastward. 

10.  Washington,  leaving  his  huts  in  the  forest,  hung  upon  the 
rear  of  the  British  army,  watchhig  for  a  favorable  opportunity 
\';o  offer  battle*  On  arriving  at  Monmouth,  in  New-Jersey, 
l^neral  Lee,  who  had  lately  been  exchanged,  was  ordered  to 
txlce  the  command  of  five  thousand  men,  and,  early  in  the  morn- 
ing of  the  28th,  unless  there  should  be  powerful  reasons  to  the 
contrary,  to  commence  an  attack.  He  was  assured,  that  the  re- 
sidue of  the  army  should  follow  and  ^ve  him  support.  ,$< . 

1 1.  Lee  made  dispositions  to  attack  accordingly,  but  perceiv* 
ing  the  main  body  of  the  enemy  returning  to  meet  him,  he 
retreated.  Washington,  advanch^  to  render  the  promised  sup- 
port, saw  him  retu*ing,  rode  forwand  and  addressed  him  in  lan- 
guage implying  disapprobation  of  his  conduct  He  then  directed 
him  to  form  his  men,  on  ground  which  he  pointed  out,  and  there 
oppose  the  progress  of  the  enemy. 

12.  These  orders  were  executed  with  firmness.  A  warm  en- 
gagement enaued,  and  Lee,  when  forced  from  the  ground, 
brought  6ff  his  troops  ia  good  order.  Washington,  at  this  mo- 
ment, arrived  with  the  main  body  of  his  army,  which  joUied  in 
the  action,  and  compelled  the  enemy  to  fall  baek  to  the  position 
from  which  Lee  liad  been  driven. 

13.  The  day  had  been  intensely  hot;  it  was  now  almost  dark, 
and  the  troops  were  much  fatigued.  Further  operations  were 
therefore  deferred  until  the  next  morning.  In  the  night,  sir 
Henry  Clinton  silently  leil  his  position,  and  continued  his  march 
(()  New- York.  His  loss  amounted  to  near  five  hundred  men; 
that  of  the  Amoricons  to  three  hundred.  Heat  and  oxcessivo 
latigue  proved  fatal  to  many. 

14.  Lee,  irritable  and  proud,  could  not  forget  the  manner  in 
which  Washington  had  aadressed  him ;  and  in  two  passionati' 
letters,  demanded  reparation.  A  court  martial  wa^  instituted  ; 
he  was  found  guilty  of  misconduct  on  the  day  of  battle,  and  oi' 
disrespect  to  th')  commander-in-chief,  and  was  suspended  from 
command  for  one  year.  He  never  aflerwards  joined  the  army, 
but  died  in  seclusion  just  before  the  close  of  the  war. 

15.  The  enemy  having  entered  New-lfork,  Washington  con- 
ducted his  army  to  White  Plains.  Congress  returned  to  Phila- 
delphia; and  in  Jiuly  received,  with  inexpressible  joy,  a  letter 
from  the  count  de  Kstaing,  announcing  his  arrival  on  the  coasi 
of  the  United  Stateit,  with  a  large  fleet,  which  had  been  sent,  by 
t'.e  king  of  Ifjuice,  to  uaiiat  th«m  in Uicir  struggle  for  indepoa- 
dence,        "I 


[me. 

ligned,  had 
f  June,  the 
I. 

ig  upon  the 
opportunity' 
ew-Jeraey, 
ordered  to 
I  the  mom- 
sons  to  the 
that  the  re- 

Ct 

tut  perceiv* 
et  him,  he 
tmised  sup- 
lim  in  Ian- 
len  directed 
t,  and  there 

kwarmen- 
le  ground, 
kt  this  mo- 
ll jotoed  in 
the  position 

imost  daric, 
BitionB  were 
B  night,  lip 
1  liis  march 
dred  men; 
I  excessive 

manner  in 
passionato 
instituted ; 
tie,  and  of 
nded  from 
I  tlie  urmy, 

ngton  con- 
ri  to  Phlla- 
Yt  a  letter 
the  coasi 
m  sent,  by 
r  indepcn- 


irrsO 


REVOLUTIONARY  WAR. 


179 


16.  The  count  intended  to  surprise  admiral  Howe  in  the  De- 
laware, but  adverse  winds  detidned  him  on  Ae  passage,  until  the 
British  fleet  had  sailed  for  New-york.  He  appeared  before 
that  harbor,  but  on  sounding  found  that  his  h.i^;eat  sh^  could 
not  enter  it.  A  combined  attack,  by  land  am  water,  upon  the 
Bridsh  forces  at  Newport,  in  Rhode  Island,  waj  then  projected. 

17.  General  Sullivan,  who  had  been  appointed  to  command 
the  troops,  called  upon  the  militia  of  New-England  to  aid  him 
in  the  enterprise.  His  army  soon  amounted  to  ten  thousand 
men,  and,  as  he  was  supported  by  the  fleet,  he  felt  con^dent  of 
success.  On  the  ninth  of  August,  he  took  a  position  on  the 
north  end  of  Rhode  Island,  and  afterwards  moved  nearer  to 
Newport.  Admiral  Howe,  having  received  a  reinforcement, 
now  appeared  before  the  harbor,  and  the  count  mstantly  put  to 
sea  to  attack  him. 

18.  While  making  the  preparatary  manoeuvres,  a  furious  storm 
came  on,  which  damaged  ami  dispersed  both  fleets.  As  soon  as 
the  weadier  would  permit,  each  commander  sought  the  port  from 

-  which  he  had  sailed.  The  army,  intent  upon  their  own  object, 
witnessed  with  jc^  the  return  of  the  French  fleet ;  and  great  wat) 
their  disappointment  when  the  count  smnourced  his  it.tention  of 
proceeding  to  Boston  to  refit.  The  American  ofilcers  remon- 
strated, but  he  was  inflexible  and  departed. 

19.  The  army,  deserted  Ly  fhe  fleet,  could  remain  no  longer, 
with  safety,  on  die  island,  as  the  enemy  might  easily  transpurtf 
by  water,  large  reinforcements  from  New- York  to  Newport. 
General  Sullivan  immediately  retreated  to  his  first  position.  He 
was  pursued,  and  shortly  afler  halting,  was  attacked  by  the  ene- 
my.    They  were  gallantly  resisted  and  repulsed  with  loss. 

10,  The  next  day,  the  two  armies  connonaded  each  other, 
and  the  succeedbig  night  the  American  general,  deceiving  the 
enemy  by  a  show  of  resistance  to  the  last,  made  a  skilful  retreat 
to  the  continent.  A  few  hours  afterwards,  llie  British  received 
such  an  augmentation  of  their  force,  tliat  all  resiscance,  on  the 
part  of  tiie  Americans,  would  have  been  vain.  At  the  close  of 
the  season,  the  Frencli  fleet  sailed  to  the  West  Indies. 

21.  During  this  year,  the  British  troops  and  their  allies  dis- 
played, in  several  inHtances,  a  degree  of  barbarity  seldom  equal- 
led in  contests  between  civilized  nations.  That  Uiey  were  con- 
tending against  revolted  subjects,  seemed  to  release  them,  in 
their  view,  iVom  nil  regard  to  the  common  usages  of  war.  The 
late  alliance  with  France,  the  hated  rival  of  their  nation,  increas- 
ed their  hostility.  Instead  of  striving  to  conquer  an  honorable 
foe,  they  tlnn^Uici  us  for  vengeance  on  a  criminal  and  outlaw. 

82.  With  such  vladtctive  feelings,  Wyomhig,  a  happy  and 


180 


KEVOLUTIONARY  WAR. 


[1W8. 


flourishing  setdement  in  Pennsylvania,  was  attacked  by  a  band 
of  tories  and  Indians.  The  men  were  butehered,  the  houses 
burned,  and  the  cattle  driven  off  or  k:iied.  Those  who  had  been 
ir.«ide  widows  and  orphans  were  left  without  shelter  and  without 
food.  Seldom  has  war  spread  dic'cr&ss  and  ruin  over  a  more  de- 
lightful region.  New-Bedford,  Mutha's  Yhieyard,  Eggharbor, 
and  Cherryvalley,  were  also  visited  and  ravaged  by  the  enemy. 
All  the  property  within  reach  was  destroyed,  and  multitudes  of 
peaceful  and  unoffending  inhabitants  were  reduced  to  poverty 
and  wretchedness.  , 

1' i,  liiut  in  no  instance  did  the  enemy  evince  more  ferocious, 
unrelenting  cruelty  than  in  their  attack  upon  colonel  Bayler's 
trrr  >  :>f  light  dragoons.  While  asleep  in  a  barn  at  Tappan, 
U\iiy  wfiTe  surprised  by  a  part^  under  general  Grey,  who  com- 
u  iirt^d  his  soldiers  to  use  the  bayonet  only,  and  to  give  the  re*- 
I  .'iino  quarter.  Incapable  of  defence,  they  sued  for  mercy. 
hm  '■  .iost  pathetic  supplications  were  heard  without  awaken- 
ing ^.>..  .passion  in  the  commander.  Nearly  one  half  of  the 
troop  were  killed.  To  many,  repeated  thrusts  were  barbarous- 
ly (^iven  as  long  as  signs  of  life  remained.  Several  who  had 
Ttine,  ten,  and  eleven  stabs  through  the  body,  and  were  lefl  for 
dead,  ailerwards  recovered.  A  few  escaped,  and  forty  were 
saved  by  the  humanity  of  a  British  captain,  who  dared  to  dis  j- 
bt'r  the  ordens  of  his  general. 

24.  Late  in  the  fall,  the  army  under  Washington  erected  huts 
near  Middlebraok,  in  New-Jersey,  in  which  they  passed  the 
winter.  In  this  campaign,  but  little  on  either  side  was  accom- 
plished. The  eUiance  with  France  gave  birth  to  expectations 
which  events  r?ic*  not  fulfil ;  yet  the  presence  of  her  fleets  on  the 
coast  deranged  the  plans  of  the  enemy,  and  induced  them  to  re« 
liuquish  a  part  of  their  conquests.  At  the  close  of  the  year,  it 
vi'aa  apparent  that  Greai  Britp^had  made  no  progress  in  the 
riccomplishprjtnt  of  her  purposeL* 


V 


^t'^:,;: 


K  \. 


■„    '-f^f-    ;:.^f    ■;>    '. 


•  '     ■'■'•i'    «  ...  •..■  \.l ', 


\    ^\  .    *■  V 


N       *       S    *  i    . 


.  i 


:%: 


:s^ 


^^  CHAPTER  XXI. 


CAMPAIGN  OF  1779. 


THE  eampaign  of  1779,  was  distinguished  by  a  change  of  the 
theatre  of  war,  from  the  northem  to  the  southern  section  of  the 
oonfederacy.  Thither  the  en«:niy  were  invited  by  the  prospect 
of  easier  victory.  The  cosntry  was  rendered  weak  by  its  scat- 
tered population,  by  the  multitude  of  slaves,  and  by  the  number 
of  toiies  intermingled  with  the  whigs. 

2.  Near  the  close  of  the  preceding  year,  lieutenant-colonel 
Campbell,  with  2600  men,  sailed  from  New- York  to  the  coast  of 
Georgia,  and  landed  his  troops.  Marchmg  towards  Savannah,  the 
capital,  he  met  on  his  route  a  small  body  of  Americans,  whom  he 
defeated,  and  immediately  took  possession  of  the  city.  A  de- 
tachment from  Florida  under  general  Pi  cvost  invested  Sunbury, 
which,  after  the  fall  of  the  capital,  surrendered  at  discretion. 
These  were  vhe  only  military  posts  in  Georgia.  All  the  troopa 
that  could  escape  retreated  into  South- Carolina. 

3.  Soon  aflsr  the  conquest  of  Geoi^ia,  general  Lincoln  took 
command  of  tl:e'  American  troops  in  the  southern  department. 
In  April,  leaving'  South-Carolina,  he  marched  into  the  interior  of 
Georgia;  upon  which  the  British  army,  entering  the  state  he  had 
left,  invested  Charleston,  the  capital.  Lincoln  hastened  back  to 
its  defence.  On  hearing  of  his  approach,  the  emr:,y  retired  to 
Stono  ferry.  Thither  Lincoln  pursued  them.  An  indecisive 
action  was  fought ;  and  a  few  days  afterwardfi,  they  continued 
their  retreat  to  Savannah. 

4.  The  heat  of  the  season  suspend^id  farther  operations  until 
.September.  Count  de  Estaing,  with  a  fleet  carrying  6000  troops, 
then  arrived  on  the  coast.  The  two  armies,  in  concert,  Idd  siege 
to  Savannah.  At  the  expiration  of  a  month,  the  count,  impatient 
of  delay,  insisted  that  the  siege  should  be  abandoned,  or  that  a 
combined  assault  upon  th^  enemy's  works  should  inunediately  be 
made.  GeneralLincolndctermined  upon  an  assault.  Great  gallan- 
try \\m  displayed  by  the  French  anO  American,  but  greater  by  the 
Bintish  troops.  Tbev  repulsed  the  assailants,  kllhtig  and  wounding 
nearly  a  thousand  men,  and  sustaining,  on  their  jM»rt,but  little  loss. 
The  count  Pulaski,  a  celebrated  Polish  nobleman,  in  the  service  of 
the  Btatos,  was  mortally  wnurded.  The  ni?xt  day  the  siege  was 
rai8e<i,  the  French  returning  home,  and  the  Americans  to  Soutli- 
Carolina. 

ft.  In  the  midst  of  these  events,  gem^ral  Matthews,  sailing  fi*oni 
New-York,  conducted  an  expeditloo  against  Virginia.  On  the 
10th  of  May,  he  took  postewiaii  <»l  Portsmouth,  without  oppoSf- 


182 


REVOLUTIONARY  WAR. 


'•  ■     ■  ■  •  i '       ' . 

tion,  and  ravaged,  fortwo  weeks, that cityand  the adjacentcountiy. 
Tlie  bootr  obtaiiied,  and  the  propwty  destewed,  were  of  immense 
value,  sefore  the  expir^on  of  May,  the  party  returned  Co 
New-Toik. 

6.  Eariy  in  the  aeason,  colonel  Clarke,  of  Yfa^ginia,  who  was 
stationed  at  Kaskaskia,  on  the  Mississippi,  achievM  an  enterprise 
conspicuous  for  boldness  of  design,  and  evincing  uncommon 
hahlmood  hi  its  execution.  Witii  oily  one  hundred  and  thirty 
men,  he  penetrated  throu^  the  wilderness,  to  St.  Vincents,  a 
British  post  on  the  Wabash,  in  the  heart  of  the  Indian  coun^. 
Itis  route  lay  across  deep  swamps  and  morasses.  For  four  or 
five  miles  the  party  waded  throu^  water,  often  as  high  as  the 
breast  After  a  march  of  sixteen  days,  they  reached  the  town, 
whidi,  having  no  intimaUon  of  their  apprcach,  surrendered 
without  resistance.  A  short  time  after,  the  fort  capitulated. 
This  fortunate  achievment  arrested  an  en^editlon  vrhich  the 
enemy  had  projected  aeainst  the  frontiers  or  Virgbia,  and  de« 
tached  several  tribes  of  Indians  from  the  British  interest. 

7.  The  atrocities  committed  at  Wyoming,  and  at  several  settle* 
ments  in  New- York,  cried  aloud  for  vengeance.— Congress,  as- 
sembling an  army  of  4000  men,  gave  the  command  of  it  to  general 
Sullivan,  and  directed  him  to  conduct  it  into  the  r*ountry  inhabited 
by  the  savages,  and  retort  upon  them  their  own  system  of  warfkre. 
Of  this  army,  one  division  marched  from  the  Mohawk,  the  other 
flrom  Wyoming,  and  both  forming  a  junction  on  the  Susqudban- 
nah,  proceeded,  on  the  23nd  of  August,  towards  the  Seneca  lake. 

8.  On  an  advantageous  position,  the  Indians,  In  conjunction 
with  200  tories,  had  erected  fortifications  to  oppose  their  progress. 
These  were  assaulted ;  the  enemy  after  a  sliglit  resistance,  gave 
way,  and  disappeared  in  the  woods.  As  the  army  advanced  into 
the  western  part  of  the  state  of  New-York,  that  region  now  so  fer- 
tile and  populous,  the  Indians  deserted  their  towns,  the  appearance 
of  which  denoted  a  higher  state  of  civilization  than  had  ever  be- 
fore been  witnessed  in  the  North  American  wilderness.  The 
houses  were  commodious;  the  apple  and  peach-trees  numerous, 
and  the  crops  of  corn  then  growing  abundant.  All  were  destroy- 
ed; not  a  vestige  of  human  industry  wan  permitted  to  exist. 

0.  Having  accomplished  thiy  work  of  vengeance,  severe  but 
deserved,  and  essential  to  tlie  future  safety  of  the  whites,  general 
SttUiven  returned  to  Kaston,  in  Pennsylvania,  where  he  arrived 
about  the  middle  of  October.  His  whole  loss,  by  slolmesa  and 
the  enemy,  amounted  to  but  forty  men. 

10.  On  the  fiat  of  July,  general  Tryon  sailed  from  New- York 
w^  a  larffe  body  of  troops,  and  landitur  on  the  coast  of  ConnaoM- 
cut,  plundered  New-Haven,  v^nd  laid  Fairfiekl  and  NiMrwalk  In 
ashes.  Before  his  return,  general  Wayne,  with  a  detachment  iVom 


irra.j 


REVOLUTIONARY  WAR. 


183 


lumerous. 


the  American  annj,  made  a  dariii^  assault  upon  Stoney  Pointi  a 
stron^y  fortified  post  on  the  Hudson.  About  tv^relve  at  night,  ^ 
troops,  wtth  unloaded  muslrets,  arrived  before  the  lines.  They 
were  received  vHth  a  tremendous  discharge  of  grape-shot  uid 
muslcetry.  Rusliing  forward,  they  mounted  the  walls,  and  uring 
the  bayonet  only,  were  soon  in  complete  possession  of  the  fort. 

11.  A  more  rallant  exi>loit  has  seldom  been  performed;  and 
the  humanity  of  the  victors  was  equal  to  their  valor.  Notwith- 
standing the  devastations  in  Connecticut,  and  the  butchery  of 
Bw^lor's  troop,  the  scene  of  which  was  near,  not  an  individual 
suffered  after  rc^tance  had  ceased.  0(  the  en^my,  six^  were 
killed,  and  upwards  of  five  hundred  made  prisoners.  The  loss 
of  the  Americans  was  cdinparatively  small.  A  gold  medal,  pre- 
sented by  congress,  rewarded  the  heroism  of  the  victor. 

12.  In  September,  a  bloody  naval  battle  was  fought,  near  the 
coast  of  Scottandt  in  which  John  Paul  Jones  acquh^d  the  reputa- 
tion of  a  daring  and  fortunate  commander.  He  was  a  Scotchman 
by  birth,  but  had  been  appointed,  by  the  American  cong  >as,  a 
captain  in  their  navy,  and  then  commanded  a  squadron  fitted  out 
in  the  ports  of  France.  At  half  past  seven  in  the  evening,  his  own 
ship,  the  Bon  homme  Richard,  of  40  guns,  engaged  the  Serapis, 
a  British  fMgate  of  44.  After  the  action  had  continued  an  hour, 
the  two  firig^ites  sqpproached  so  near  to  each  other  that  Jones, 
eeizbg  the  opportunity,  lashed  them  together. 

18.  The  battle  now  became  furious,  and  the  carnage  horrible. 
The  Senqpis  was  on  fire  not  less  than  ten  times;  and  often  both 
frigates  were  on  fire  at  the  same  moment,  presenting  a  sublime 
and  dreadful  spectacle.  At  length,  the  AUiance,  one  of  Jones* 
squadron,  came  to  his  assistance ;  but  the  two  frigates  behug  fast- 
ened together,  many  of  her  shot  struck  the  Bon  homme  Richard. 
At  ten  o'clock,  the  Serapis  surrendered.  Her  successfiil  antago* 
nist  was  so  shattered,  that  the  crew  were  obliged  to  leave  her  hn- 
mediately,  and  she  soon  after  sunk.  The  Palas,  vidiich  was  also 
one  of  Jones*  squadron,  engaged  at  the  same  time  and  captured 
the  Countess  of  Scarborough.  The  squadron  with  the  prizes 
then  sailed  for  Holland,  and  arrived  there  in  safety. 

14.  At  the  dose  of  the  season,  the  northern  army  retired  into 
winter-quarters,  one  division  near  Morristown,  in  New-Jerscr, 
and  the  other  In  the  vicinity  of  Westpoint,  an  important  poet  m 
the  highlands.  Here  they  endured  severe  and  constant  stiflbring 
firom  cold,  and  nakedness,  and  hunger.  SomeUmes  l|alf  Uie 
usual  allowance,  often  less,  was  distributed  to  the  troope ;  and 
more  than  once  the  provisions  were  wholly  exhausted. 

15.  Application  for  relief  was  made  to  the  magistrates  of  the 
Ml^hl»oniood,  and  intimations  were  given  that  provisions,  so  prei- 
•Ing  were  the  wants  of  the  army,  wpuld  be  seized  by  force,  n  nri 


184 


REVOLUTIONARY  WAR, 


[1780, 


ftiruyied  voluntarilj.  The  magistrates  promptly  attended  to  the 
odl.  They  levied  contributions  arbitrarSy  froin  the  peo[d«,  who 
submitted  to  these  exactions  witV  a  degree  of  patriotism  equrtue^i 
only  by  that  displayed  by  the  soldiers  in  the  patient  enduran  c  oi 
^Usfawss. 

16.  Derangement  in  the  finances  produced  these  jufferings. 
lisrge  sums  had  been  annually  raised  and  esqiended ;  and  the  ability 
of  the  people  to  pay  taxes  had  progressively  decreased.  To  supply 
<leficiencies,  paper  money,  to  the  amountof  about  one  hundred  and 
fi%  millions  of  dollars,  had  been  issued.  This  gradually  depre< 
ciated,  and,  at  the  close  of  1779,  thirty  dollars  \n  paper  vrere  of  no 
more  value  than  one  in  specie.  To  purchase  provisions  with  diis 
money  was  at  first  difficult,  and  then  Impossible^  and  congress 
now  found  their  funds  and  their  credit  exha  isted. 

17.  A  change  of  system  was  necessary.  For  the  supply  of 
the  army,  each  state  was  directed  to  fund^  a  certain  quantity  of 
{provisions  and  forage.  Loans  were  solicited  from  tl^e  people, 
and  nearly  a  million  of  dollars  was  raised  by  bills  drawn  upon 
the  American  agents  in  Europe,  in  ^ticipation  of  loans  which 
they  had  been  authorized  to  procure.  These  expedients  afforded 
but  temporary  and  partial  relief. 

18.  No  class  of  persons  suffered  more  from  the  depreciation 
of  paper  money  tlian  tVji  army,  and  especially  the  officer?.  The 
pay  J.  even  of  tiiosf*  of  th^  highest  g^ade,  was  rendered  insufficient 
to  provide  them  wiih  necessary  clothing.  Discontent  began  to 
jpervade  the  whole  army.  It  required  all  the  enthusiastic  phtriot- 
jsm  which  distinguishes  the  soldier  of  principle ;  all  that  ardent 
^attachment  to  freedom  which  brought  them  into  the  field ;  all  the 
influence  of  the  commander-in-chief,  whom  they  almost  adored, 
to  retain  m  the  service  men  who  felt  themselves  cruelly  neglect- 
ed by  the  country  whose  battles  they  fought. 

CHAPTER  XXII.      ■;,       .m^$^^..^' 

CAMPAIGN  OF  1780.  ^ 

THE  first  military  operations  of  the  enemy,  in  the  year  1780, 
ivere  directed  against  Charleston,  the  capital  of  South-Carolina. 
In  the  beginning  of  February,  sir  Henry  Clinton  appeared  before 
tbtt  place,  at  tlie  head  of  a  parf  of  his  army.  Ttie  assembly, 
whion  was  then  sitthig,  delegated  to  governor  Rutledge,  a  patriot 
of  splendid  talents,  and  to  his  council,  "  the  power  to  do  vmty 
^lliiig  necessary  for  the  public ;  ood,  except  taking  away  the  life  m 


tia,i 
aU 


■■r-^--*1'f9W^''^ 


l?«O.J 


RETOLUTlONARir  WAR. 


lti!5 


au 


thousand, 
by  the 
tnthe 
f  |)hssed  the 


Idtii^inf^  andad|diirliedl  Armed  with  this  extraordinary  power, 
he  ms06  great  exertions  to  call  into  action  die  strength  d"  the 
state,  and  to  place  its  capital  in  a  posture  of  defence. 
;  2.  The  people  of  the  countiy  disregarded  his  repeated  calls. 
Not  morethantwo hundred  rqisdred  to  Charleston.  Tliegarrison, 
commanded  hy  senerd  Lincom,  consisted  of  a  body  of  muitiafrom 
the  country,  of  me  citizens,  of  one  thousand  North-Carolina  mili- 
tia,andoftwothousandregulars.  The  number  of  th'  my,  when 
all  their  reinforcements  had  arrived,  amounted  * 
S.  On  tiio  first  of  April,  the  siege  was  beg^^ 
erecti(m  of  works  at  the  distance  of  eleven  hundr> 
city.  On  the  9th,  the  fleet,  propelled  by  a  strong  \ 
forts  on  Sullivan's  Island,  without  stopping  to  return  their  fire,  and 
gained  entire  command  of  the  harbor.  On  the  I4th,  lieutenant* 
colonel  Tarleton  surprised  a  body  of  cavalry,  which,  to  preserve 
a  communication  wim  the  country,  had  been  stationed  at  Monk's 
corner.  Soon  after,  batteries  were  erected  nearer  the  city,  firom 
which  the  fire  was  incessant  and  destructive. 

4.  An  offer  to  capitulate  was  then  made ';  but  the  British  com- 
mander refused  to  accept  the  terms  proposed.  On  his  part,  terms 
were  rytTered,  which  were  rejected  by  general  Lincoln.  The  siege 
was  then  pressed  with  increased  vigor,  and  approaches  made  to 
within  musket-shot  of  the  American  lines.  The  soldiers  within 
were  often  killed  at  theu*  guns  by  the  enemy's  marksmen. 

5.  The  citizens,  whose  intercession  had  induced  general  Lin- 
coln to  determuie  to  defend  the  place,  perceiving  that  prepara- 
tions for  an  assault  were  in  forwardness,  and  seeing  no  hope  of 
I'elief  or  escape,  now  requested  him  to  accept  the  terms  which  sir 
Henry  Clinton  had  proposed.  A  negotiation  between  the  two 
commanders  was,  in  consequence,  opened,  and,  on  the  12th  of 
May,  the  capitulation  was  signed. 

6.  The  capital  having  surrendered,  measures  vrkre  adopted  to 
overawe  the  inhabitants  of  the  country,  and  induce  them  to  return 
to  their  allegiance  to  the  king.  Garrisons  were  placed  in  difieren^ 
parts  of  the  state,  and  2000  men  were  despatched  towards  North- 
Carolina,  to  repel  several  parties  of  militia,  who  were  hasteninff 
to  the  relief  of  Charleston.  Colonel  Tarleton,  maldng  a  rapid 
march  of  one  hundred  and  five  miles  in  fifty-four  hours,  met,  at 
the  WaxhawB,  and  attacked  one  of  these  parties,  commanded  by- 
colonel  Buford.  His  force  being  superior  was  soon  victorious. 
The  vanquished,  ceasing  %o  resist,  implored  for  quarter.  Their 
crlet  were  disregarded.  Upwards  of  two  hundred  and  fiihr 
#lre  killed,  or  too  badly  wounded  to  be  removed  from  the  field. 
This  bari)arou8  massacre  spread  dismay  throughout  the  countiy, 
and  gave  a  sanguinary  character  to  future  coiuiicts. 

7.  To  avoid  being  treated  as  enemies,  the  greater  part  of  the 

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inhahitanlii  eitber  nv«  tii«ir  pirolt  ts  prisoiMM,  or  submitted  to 
becoBM  fl|itq«ots  of  tb«  Uiig.  Sir  Heniy  Cfinton,  ftfterwds,  by 
proclamitioii,  (Uichiffged  the  former  firom  t^ir  |Mrole  ano  called 
upon  all  to  emboi^M  militia  in  the  eervice  of  QreetBritun.  In- 
dignant at  tbis  <JttanoiiorabIe  condnct,  whidi  left  diem  onhr  the  al- 
tematife  of  fig|bting|  for  or  againit  their  coimtiy,  miiltitudei>  Mizr 
ing  their  arms,  resolved  on  a  vindietive.  war  with  their  inyadenu 

8.  A  pertjr,  who  had  taken  refoge  hi  North-Carolina^  chose 
colonel  Dumpter  their  leader.  At  ue  head  of  these,  Jie  returned 
to  his  own  state,  attacked  and  defeated  several  scattered  detach- 
menti  from  the  Biltish  army.  In  one  ensagement,  so  decisive 
was  liis  viotofx,  that  nine  only  out  of  neany  three  hundred  es- 
caped. By  a  succession  of  gallant  enterprises,  he  reaniikiated  ^ 
firiends  of  freedom,  and  a  spirit  of  deteraUned  hostility  to  Great 
BriUdn  was  again  manifested  in  every  part  of  the  state. 

9.  This  sfmt  was  cherishedl  by  the  approach,  from  the  north, 
of  4000  men,  principally  continentals,  under  the  command  of  ge- 
neral Gates.  On  their  march  through  a  sterile  country,  they  en- 
dured all  the  evil)  and  distresses  of  extreme  famine.  Lord  Corn- 
wallis,  whom  Clinton,  onhb  roturn  to  New-York,  had  left  com- 
mander-in-chief,  hastened  to  oppose,  hi  person,  thb  victorious  ge- 
neral. He  placed  himself  at  me  head  of  two  thousand  veteran 
troops  who  had  before  been  stationed  at  Camden,  on  the  northern 
boraer  of  the  state. 

10.  On  the  night  of  the  16th  of  August,  he  marched,  with  his 
whole  force,  to  attack  the  Americans  in  their  camp  at  Clermont. 
They,  at  the  same  hour,  began  to  move  towards  Cfamden.  The 
advanced  parties  met  in  the  night  and  engaged.  In  several  skfr- 
anishea  wnioh  took  place,  the  British  obtained  the  advantage. 
Thb  made  a  deep  impression  on  the  miUtlSt  whose  spirits  were 
depressed  by  gloomy  forebodings.        x 

11.  When  the  morning  dawned,  the  enemy  advanced  to  the 
attack.  At  the  first  onset,  the  Virginia  militia  fled  ftx>m  the 
field,  and  their  example  was  followed  by  others.  The  continen- 
tals, thoujn^  left  alone  to  contend  with  superior  numben,  msdn- 
talned  the  conflict  with  great  firmness.  For  a  short  time,  they 
had  the  advantage  of  their  opponents,  but  were  at  length  over- 
powered, and  the  flight  became  general. 

12.  The  ftigitlves  were  pursued  bv  Tarieton's  lesion  with  re- 
lentless fury.  When  all  were  killed,  captured  or  dispersed,  the 
pursuers,  with  speed  unchecked,  took  the  route  towards  Sump- 
tar's  encampment.  This  acthre  partisan,  who  had  lately  been 
victorious  In  a  skirmish,  retreated  precipitately,  on  hearhig^ 
the  defeat  of  Gates.  At  the  Catawba  ford,  supposing  he  wis 
l>eyond  danger,  he  halted,  that  his  troops,  who  vrere  Attlgued, 
might  re^Qi^    Hb  lentlneb  slept  it  their  posts,  and  the  legloa 


ITOO.] 


REVOLUTIONARY  WAR. 


187 


rode  inb  his  camp  before  pfepandone  o<riIi1^  be  made  for  de- 
fence. Between  tluree  and  ibnr  bimdrsd  were  kflled  or  wounded. 
The  remainder  were  disperted  in  the  woods ;  three'  hundied 
prisonen  were  released ;  all  the  baggage  and  stores  fell  into  the 
power  of  the  victors.  < 

18.  Again  supposing  the  state  to  be  subdued,  Comwallis 
adopted  measurea  of  extreme  severitv  to  suppress  eveiy  latent 
inclination  to  revolt.  He  directed  mat  all  who,  havfaig  once 
submitted,  had  lately  ghren  aid  to  the  armies  of  congress,  should 
be  deprived  of  thehr  property  and  imprisomd ;  andmat  aU,  who 
had  once  bom  arms  witli  the  Britisb,  and  afterwards  joined  the 
Americans,  should  suffer  death,  i  In  consequence  of  these  CHrdnw^ 
several  were  executed,  and  many  were  reduced  to  pover^  ami 
wretchedness. 

14.  In  these  times  of  confusion  and  distress,  the  mischievous 
effects  of  slavery  in  ftcilitating  the  conquest  of  the  country^  !»<• 
came  apparent.  As  the  slaves  had  no  interest  at  stake,  the  sub- 
jugation of  the  states  was  a  matter  of  no  consequence  to  them. 
Instead  of  aidhig  in  its  defence,  they,  bv  a  variety  of  means, 
threw  the  weight  of  tiieir  little  influence  into  the  opposite  scale. 
16.  liiere  were  yet  some  citizens,  who,  in  allfortunes,  adhered 
with  firmness  to  the  cause  of  mdependence.  Of  these,  fan  one 
part  of  the  state,  ceneral  Sumpter  was  the  leader.  In  another^ 
.  general  Marion.  The  cavahry  of  the  latter  were  so  destitute  of 
the  weapons  of  war,  Uiat  Uiev  were  obliged  to  cut  their  swords 
from  the  saws  of  the  saw-mills.  He  was  so  successful  hi  con- 
cealing himself  in  woods  and  marshes,  that  the  enemy  virere 
never  able'to  attack  or  discover  him.  FVom  these  dark  retreats 
he  often  sallied  forth,  and  fell  unexpectedly  upon  parlies  of  the 
enemy,  when  marchhiff  tttrough  the  country,  or  posted  in  gar- 
risons to  overawe  the  inhaUtants.  In  one  of  these  sallies,  he 
released  one  hundred  and  fi%  continentaleciq>tured  at  Camden. 
His  repeated  and  sucoessAil  excursions  preserved  alive  the  spirit 
of  resistance,  and  his  high  fiime  as  a  paraaan  was  never  tamlshr 
ed  by  any  violati  jn  of  the  laws  of  war  or  humanity.     «  ^ 

16.  Of  those  who  submitted  through  foar,  or  flrom  ittaeb- 
ment  to  the  royal  cause,  major  Ferguson,  a  British  ofBoer  of 
distfaagulshed  merit,  wm  appointed  commander.  He  wif  dii- 
patched,  by  Comwallis,  into  the  western  part  of  Norlb-Oarollna, 
where,  other  torles  jofaifaig  him,  his  force  was  augmeBAad  to 
1400  men.  An  enterprise  against  this  party  waa  coaooited  by 
the  commanders  of  the  militia,  hi  the  afl||ae«nl  parts  of  the  two 
CaroUnas  and  Yfarglnla.  About  the  fiiat  of  OetflAier,  they,  by 
great  eMrtionii  MNnUed  8000  men  at  GUberttown.    tmm 


168 


ftfilF0I.tJTIONARY  WAR. 


iraQ. 


these,  fifteen  himdvid  eboice  riflemen  were  selected ;   who 
mounted  on  llie  beil  hanm,  hestened  to  the  attack  of  Ferguson. 

17.  He  awaited  them  on  the  top  of  Khig's  mountain.  The 
militia,  hi  dme  divisiene,  led  by  colonels  Clevdand,  ShidbT,  and 
Campbell,  ascended  it  hi  different  directions.  These  divisions, 
successively  anivlng,  were  each  repulsed ;  but  each,  when  the 
enemy  by  an  attack  from  a  different  quarter,  were  recalled  from 
pursuit,  returned  anin  to  the  chaige.  In  this  manner  the  ac- 
tion was  continued  for  an  hour  with  great  spirit  Fercuson  was 
then  kQled,  and  with  lifan  eaqrired  the  courage  of  his  party. 
Ei^  hundred  threw  down  their  arms  and  bwame  prisoners. 
Om  hundred  and  fifty  were  killed.  Teiy  few  of  the  anaUantv 
feU. 

18.  Oomwallis,  confident  of  his  ability  to  subjugate  the  state, 
had  followed  Ferguson  into  North-Carolina.  Ret^ving  notice 
of  his  entire  defeat,  he  returned  and  took  post  at  Whrnriborougfa. 
As  he  retired.  Gates,  who  had  assembled  an  army  of  1400  men, 
advanced  to  Chariotte,  where  he  determined  to  pass  the  winter. 
He  was  soon  after  recalled  by  congress,  and,  on  the  recommen- 
dation of  Washington,  general  Greene  was  withdrawn  from  the 
northern  army  to  take  command  of  the  department  of  the  south. 

10.  By  the  northern  army,  which,  as  has  been  stated,  was 
posted  at  West-Pohit  and  Morristown,  little  more  was  attempted, 
during  the  year,  than  to  watch  the  motions  of  the  enemy,  in  New- 
Tork,  and  protect  the  inhabitants  from  their  incuiaions.  The 
troops  unfed,  unp^,  and  unenmloyed,  discovered,  at  various 
times,  a  dlspositica  to  mutiny.  On  these  oooasio*'^,  the  British 
commander,  by  means  of  emissaries  sent  amor,  'am,  invited 
them  to  repahr  to  the  citv,  where  he  promised  the  oomfort  and 
abundance.  His  invitations  were  disrsgiusied.  Relief  from  dis- 
tress was  all  they  sought,  and  when  ti^st  was  obtahied,  they 
cheerfully  returned  to  weir  duty. 

80.  In  July,  a  French  squadron  under  admiral  Temay,  bring- 
inff  6000  troops,  commanded  by  couiit  Rochambeau,  arrived  at 
Rhode  Island,  which  had  previouslv  been  evacuated  by  the 
enemr  i  they  were  immediately  blockaded  in  the  hariior  they 
had  entered,  by  a  BrMtoh  fleet.  Reinforced  by  these  troops, 
Washington  determined  to  attack  New- York ;  the  armv  marched 
to  stations  nearer  the  city,  and  rejoiced  in  the  hope  of  beinff  able 
to  aeeompllsh  sometUng  for  their  country ;  but  the  arrivarflx>m 
England  of  another  fleet,  under  admiral  Rodney,  disconcerted 
the  plan  which  had  been  formed. 

81.  Defeat  at  the  south  and  disappointment  tl  the  north  over- 
flhadowed  Uit  land  with  gloom ;  but  hiteUigenoe  that  tovasoB 


1780.] 


RE VOLUTIONARtr  WAR. 


188 


had  appeared  in  the  American  camp  odCMioned  amazement  and 
alarm.  The  traitor  was  Arnold,  whom  braveiy  in  bi^e»  and 
fortitude  in  suffering,  had  placed  high  in  the  affectiions  of  ..the 
people. 

22.  Upon  the  eTacuation  of  Philadelphia,  by  the  enenqr,  fai 
1778,  he  was  i^pointed  commands  of  that  station.  Here,  hi- 
dulg^  in  all  the  pleasures  of  an  expensive  equipage  and  sump- 
tuous tabled  he  contracted  debts  which  he  was  undble  to  ^ 
charge.  To  extricate  himself  from  embarrassment,  he  made 
large  claims  against  the  government,  a  portion  of  which  was  re- 
j^ted.  He  was  accused  of  extortion  uid  of  misuse  of  the  pub- 
lic money ;  and  for  these  offences  was  tried  by  a  court  martiid 
and  sentenced  to  be  reprimanded  by  the  commander-in-chief. 

23.  From  this  moment,  he  determined  to  avenge  his  wound- 
ed pride  and  supply  his  wants,  by  betraying  his  country,  ibi  a 
letter  to  a  Bridsn  officer,  he  signified  his  chance  of  principle, 
and  his  wish  to  restore  himself  to  the  favor  of  his  j^rince,  by 
some  signal  proof  of  his  repentance.  And  about  this  time,  foir  a 
purpose  which  afterwards  too  plainly  wpeared,  he  solicited  and 
obtained  the  command  of  West-Point,  tne  most  important  post 
in  the  possession  of  the  American  armies. 

24.  He  immediately  opened  a  correspondence  with  sir  Henry 
Clinton,  and  proposed  to  deliver  into  his  power  the  post  that  he 
commanded.  To  agree  upon  the  mode  of  surrender,  major 
Andre,  a  voung  man  of  splendid  talents  and  adjutant-oeneral  of 
the  British  army,  ascended  the  river  from  New-Yonc,  and,  in 
the  niffht,  at  a  place  near  the  American  Ihies,  had  an  interview 
with  Arnold.  Before  he  was  prepared  to  return,  the  sloop  of 
war  which  brought  him  was  compelled  to  move  down  the  river. 

25.  In  this  emergency,  Andre,  disffuised  as  a  traveller,  assum- 
ing the  name  of  Anderson  and  fUmiuied  by  Arnold  with  a  pass, 
set  out  to  return  by  land  to  New-York.  He  passed  all  the 
guards  and  posts  vrithout  awakening  suspicion ;  out  was  stop- 
ped, when  near  the  end  ot  his  joumev,  by  three  of  the  New- 
lork  militia,  whose  names  were  Pauldlnff,  Williams,  and  Yan- 
wert.  Supposing  them  to  be  soldiers  of  his  own  army.  Instead 
of  producing  his  pass,  he  declared  hhnself  a  British  officer  and 
desired  he  might  not  be  detahied. 

26.  On  discovering  his  mistake,  he  offored  them  a  purse  of 
cold  and  a  valuable  watch,  and  promised  more  ample  rewards 
irom  his  f^vemment,  if  they  would  permit  him  to  escape.  Re- 
jeotinff,  with  patriotism  worthy  of  all  praise,  these  temptbg  of- 
fers, thQy  conducted  him  to  colonel  Jameson,  who  wu  station- 
ed near  the  Amerioan  lines.  In  hb  boots  were  found  a  par^ 
ilcular  statement  of  the  strtngtU  of  the  garrison,  and  a  desciljVN 


.'iiHi!iii|i,  II  M[ii;<!|)?TWS5 


190 


RETOLUTIONART  WAR. 


[1780. 


IT 


fion  of  the  woifa  at  Weit-Point  Aiudous  for  the  fafetj  of 
Arnold,  be  desired  the  eolonel  to  inform  him  that  Andenon  was 
taken*  An  expresa  was  unwarily  diapatehed  with  the  intelli* 
gence.  Arnold,  comprehending  ms  danger,  made  a  precipitate 
flight  to  New^Toric 

2t.  Andre,  dladahiing  longer  coneeahnent,  then  aivowed  hfan- 
self  to  be  the  adjutant-general  of  the  Brititih  army.  Suapicfon 
befaig  now  excited,  colonel  Jameson  transmitted  to  the  eomman* 
der-b-diief,  who  was  not  far  distant,  information  of  all  die 
events  which  had  occurred.  Washington,  hastening  to  West- 
Point  made  arrangementa  for  repelling  any  attack  th^  might  be 
made.  Measures  of  precaution  being  taken,  the  fiite  of  tM  pri* 
Boner  waa  next  to  be  decided. 

28.  His  case  was  referred  to  a  board  of  officen.  Appearing 
before  them,  he  confessed,  with  ingenuous  frankness,  every  cir- 
cumstance relating  to  himsdf,  but  would  disclose  nouing  which 
might  involve  othen  In  hb  misfortune.  He  dlsplmed.  In  all  his 
conduct  while  a  prisoner,  great  nobleness  of  mmd ;  but  the 
board,  constndned  by  duty,  reported  that  he  must  be  considered 
as  a  spy,  and  agreeaUy  to  die  law  of  nations,  ought  to  suffer 
death. 

20.  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  by  whom  he  waa  highly  esteemed, 
made  every  eteition  in  his  power  to  avert  his  fate.  He  entreat? 
ed,  remonstrated  and  threatened.  To  have  yielded,  would 
have  betraved  timidity  and  vreakness,  and  encouraged  future 
treason.  Andre  suffered  an  Iffnomlnious  death,  with  a  degree 
of  composure  and  fortitude  which  proved  how  great  and  illus- 
trious he  might  have  been,  had  he  not  stooped,  in  an  evil  hour, 
to  the  comnussion  of  an  ignominious  action. 

80.  Arnold  received,  as  the  reivard  of  his  treachery,  the  sum 
of  10,000  pounds,  and  the  rank  of  briffadier-general  In  the 
British  army.  But  he  was  detested  by  his  new  associates,  and 
his  naine  wUI  he  forever  synonymous  with  Infamy  and  baseness. 
In  contrast  with  hlsjjiow  brignt  shines  the  ftime  of  die  three 
capton  of  Andre.  They  were  not  then,  nor  can  they  ever  be, 
forgotten  by  a  country  which  owes  so  much  to  their  fidelity. 
Eaich  received  the  thaidcs  of  congress,  a  silver  medal,  and  a  pen- 
sk)n  for  life,  which  has  been  doubled  at  a  subsequent  seuon  of 
greater  naUonal  prosperity. 

81.  At  the  dose  of  the  year  1780,  the  troops  of  the  northern 
army  rathred  to  the  winter  quartan  which  they  had  last  ocouphKl. 
Agtin  they  endured  distress  at  wh'eh  patriotism  feels  Indlmnt 
and  humanity  weeps.  The  harvest  had  been  abundant  Plen> 
hr  reigned  In  the  land,  but  want  in  the  camp  of  Its  defenden. 
Selfishness  had  succeeded  patriotism,  lassitude  enthusiasm,  hi  the 


[1780. 

the  ivfetj  of 
bidenonwiB 
li  Um  intern- 
m  precipitate 

•vowed  hini' 
\  SuipidoQ 
the  conuntn* 
in  of  dl  tfie 
ling  to  Weet- 
thatmi|^tbe 
ite  of  the  pri* 

.  Appeiring 
«f,  every  cir- 
lothing  which 
nred,  maUhis 
iffld;  but  the 
be  comidered 
ight  to  suffer 

My  esteemed, 
1  Heentreatr 
Bided,  would 
anged  future 
vith  a  degree 
eat  and  Ulua- 
an  evil  hour, 

lery,  the  sum 
aeral  in  the 
eociates,  and 
ind  baseness, 
of  the  three 
hey  ever  be, 
lefa*  adelity. 
,  and  a  pen- 
nt  season  of 


1780.] 


REVOLUTIONART  WAR. 


191 


northern 
ist  occupied, 
lis  indiflmant 
ant  Flen> 
I  defenders. 
8lasni,intbe 


breasts  of  the  people,  and  congress  exerted  its  powers  with  too 
litde  visor  to  maw  forth  tlie  resources  of  the  countiy. 

82.  The  soldiers  of  the  Pennsvlvania  line  were  stationed  at 
MorriBtown,  in  New-Jersey.  They  compbdned  that,  in  addi- 
tion to  suMaining  sufferings  common  to  all,  they  were  retahied 
in  service  contruy  to  the  tenns  of  their  enlistments.  In  the 
night  of  the  first  of  January,  thirteen  hundred,  on  a  concerted 
signal,  paraded  under  arms,  and  declared  their  intention  of 
marcliing  to  Fliiladelphia,  and  demanding  of  congress  a  redress 
of  thefarjnrievances. 

88.  llie  officers  strove  to  compel  them  to  relinquish  their 
pvffpose.  In  the  attempt,  one  was  lulled  and  severiA  were 
wounded.  General  Wayne  presented  his  pistols  as  if  intending 
to  fire.  They  held  their  bayonets  to  his  breast ;  «  We  love  and 
respect  you,**  said  they,  **  but  if  you  fire  you  are  a  dead  man. 
We  are  not  going  to  toe  enemy.  On  the  contrary,  if  Uiey  were 
now  to  ccme  ou^  you  should  see  us  fight  under  your  orders  viHUi 
as  much  tdacii^  as  ever.  But  we  wUl  be  amused  no  longer ; 
we  are  determined  to  obtain  what  is  our  juM  due.'' 

84.  They  elected  temporary  officers,  and  moved  off  in  a  body 
t6wardB  Princeton.  General  Wayne,  to  prevent  them  from 
pSundering  the  inhabitants,  fi>rwarded  provisions  for  Adr  use. 
The  next  day  he  followed,  and  requested  them  to  appoint  a  man 
from  each  r^g^ent,  to  state  to  him  their  complafaits.  Tta«>  :!*en 
were  appointed,  aconflNrence  held,  but  he  refiised  to  comply 
with  thenr  demands. 

85.  They  proceeded  in  food  order  to  Princeton.  Three 
omisraries  firom  sfar  Henry  Clinton  meethig  them  here,  made 
them  liberal  oflbrs  to  entice  them  firom  the  service  of  congress. 
The  ofibn  were  fautantly  rejected,  and  the  endssaries  seized  and 
confined  in  strict  custody.  Here  they  were  also  met  by  a  com- 
mittee of  congress,  and  a  deputation  from  the  state  of  Feonsylw 
nia.  The  latter,  granting  a  part  of  their  demands,  persuaded 
them  to  return  to  their  duty.  The  agents  of  CUnton  were  then 
{^ven  up,  and  iqimedlately  executed  as  spies. 

^  86.  This  mutinv,  and  another  in  the  Jersey  line,  which  was 
instantly  suppressed,  aroused  the  attention  of  the  states  to  the 
miserable  condition  of  their  troops.  The  amount  of  three 
months  pay  wm  raised  and  forwarded  to  them  In  specie.  They 
received  it  with  ioy,  as  it  afforded  evidence  that  their  coontijr 
was  .not  unmhidiul  of  ttieir  sufferings* 


m^im 


,4i: 


CHAPTER  XXfll. 

CAMPAIGN  OF  1781,  AND  lEBI^||tNA-^ 
TION  OF  THE  WAlt. 


IN  (he  spring  of  li8l,  the  project  of  iiesieging  New-Tork 
vas  affain  resumed*  Requiritionsror  men  and  stores  were  made 
upon  uie  northern  states,  and,  hi  June,  the  French  and  Anaeri- 
can  troops,  marching  from  their  respective  positions,  encanqped 
together  cfn  ground  contiguous  to  the  city.  But  reinforcements 
and  suppUes  arrived  slowly,  and  the  want  of  them  compiled  the 
troops  in  tibe  field  to  remain  inactive. 

2.  In  flie  southern  department,  far  different  was  tiie  fortune 
of  the  opporii^  armies.  That  of  which  general  Oreene  took 
the  command,  consisted  of  but  2000  men*  Nearly  one  hidf  of 
.Uiese  he  despatched,  under  general  Morsan,  into  tiie  western 
section  of  South-Carolina,  vmere  a  Britiiui  party,  sdded  by  the 
tories,  were  plundering  and  murdering  the  whigs  without  mercy 
and  without  restrdnt 

8.  Agahist  the  American  detachment,  ComwaUis  despatched 
Tarleton,  vdth  a  force  considerably  superipi',  and  a  la|j;e  pro- 
portion of  it  cavahry.  Morgan  began  to  retreat,  but  disdainhig 
to  fly  from  an  enemy,  and  uncertain  whether  he  could  escape  an 
officer  so  distinguished  as  his  pursuer  for  the  celerity  of  hhi 
movements,  he,  on  tiie  17th  of  January,  halted  at  the  Cowpens, 
and  determined  to  hazard  a  battie,  before  his  troops  became  di»> 
pirited  and  fatigued. 

4.  Soon  after  he  had  placed  his  men,  the  Britinh  van  appear- 
ed in  sight.  Confident  of  an  easy  victory.  Tarleton  rushed  to 
tiie  charm  with  his  usual  impetuosity.  The  militia  ported  in 
front  yielded,  as  directed  by  Morgan,  to  the  shock ;  and  the  hn- 
fantry  composbig  the  second  line,  retreated  a  few  yards.  In  the 
ardor  of  pursuit,  the  enemy  were  thrown  hito  disorder :  the  in- 
fantry, ftdng  about,  poured  upon  them  a  fire  as  deadly  as  it  was 
unejqpeeted.  Their  disorder  was  increased,  and  a  charae  with 
the  bayonet  completed  thefar  overthrow.  One  hundred  of  the 
enemy  were  killed,  and  five  hundred  made  prisoners. 

6.  Seldom  has  a  victory,  atehieved  by  so  small  a  number, 
been  so  hnportant  in  its  consequences.  It  deprived  Comwaliiv 
o(  one  fifth  of  his  forae,  and  disconcerted  his  plans  for  the  reduc- 
tion of  North-CivoUoA.     He  sought^  however,  to  repair,  by 


f  New-Tork 
M  were  made 
[  and  Ameri- 
iSf  encamped 
Inforeements 
lompeUed  die 

the  fortone 
Greene  took 
fonehftlfof 

ttie  weitem 
aided  by  the 
ithout  mercy 

8  despatched 
ala|!ge  pro- 
It  diffdaimng 
lid  escape  an 
derlty  of  hh 
le  CowpenSy 
became  di»> 

▼anu>pear- 
mnnhed  to 
a  posted  in 
and  the  in- 
rds.  In  the 
der:  thein- 
dlyasitwaa 
charae  with 
idred  of  the 
I. 

1  a  number, 
Comwalliff 
rtheredttc- 
repair,  by 


mt,} 


KBWwnmmt  mm^ 


Ui^ 


active  flxnrliont,  the  lo«wiUeh:he^had  eajilered.    Hsidiigle^ppt 
that  Morgan,  the  instant  afi0r^UefMoiy»<fa«d«afi^^ 
lirlBwww  Mmteifi  Ylrafnift,  he  dele«miQef(iM|NPMi>  to  inter- 
cq)t|iii%.ftad  «j|»|pel  him  to  ff«^^ 

4i^  iim^hmmnred  pi  itmuT  «»«•  ^^^^  Has  hli«)lBr  ite 
jmOUmMmfti^  Each  ainqr  etrove  to  arrive  ^  el  «he  folds 
of  tfrt  OiHi«|i>»  liioiii  which  fadth  wete  eqipUy  lUstant  T^ 
AmetfiteBlHiieps  endured  elnkost  Incredible  hsiifdihipe-  Thef 
were  isometimei  wittumt  meat*  often  wtthout  flour,  end  eln^igrB 
ivitbont  jqpiritdus  Uquora.  Mai^,  mardUng  over  frozen  ground 
without  shoes,  marked  with  blood  evory  atm  of  their  progress. 

7.  On  the  twelfth  dw  •fter  the  battle,  Morgan  reached  the 
fwrds  and  crossed  the  Catawba.  Two  houvs  afterwards,  deini- 
wallis  errived,  and,  it  bein^  thtn  daik,  encamped  on  Ihe  hwk. 
In  ttie  aight,«  heavy  ftdl  «f  rein  made  the  river  hnpassabiek 
This  gave  Moiigan  an  <^oitei^lo  remove  the  prisoners  beyond 
the  reach  of  his  pursued  And  hiete  be  was  joined  by  ^jenenl 
Greene,  who,  teavhig  tlie  main  body  of  his  army,  with  «!^km  to 
march  towards  Virghiia,  had  ridden,  with  but  two  or  three  ^ 
tendants,  one  hundred  and  fifty  miles  for  Hhti  purpose* 

8.  At  the  end  of  three  days,  ComwalUs  found  means  to  pass 
the  river.  The  vetreai  anci  pursuit  again  cpnynenped.  Qn  iJtie 
second  night,  the  Americans  reached  a  ford  onthe  ¥«d|(ia.  Be- 
fore all  hwl  crossed,  the  British  appeaBe^  and  a  fart  of  the  bag- 
gage was  left  in  their  power.  Again  Ine  iwo  armies  hj  m^ 
camped  on  the  opposite  banks,  and  before  mondng,  Ihu  river 
also  was  made  ionpassable  by  the  rain.  This  second  preservation 
fVom  imminent  danger,  persuaded  the  Americans ihat  their  cr  ^v 
was  favored  of  heavMi. 

9.  The  next  day,  Greene  proceeded  ta  Guilford  >court«hoii«i) 
)vhere  be  was  joiiied  by  the  olhw  di^sion  of  his  ankir.  Cook* 
wallis,  marching  up  the  Yadkin,  crossed  at  tibe  shaUow  fords 
jiear  its  Source^  Both  armfais  now  started  for  the  river  Dao.  on 
the  borders  of  Virginia,  and  distant  more  than  one  bundred 
miles.    The  knowledge  lhs(t  there  the  eowrse  must  teminata, 

give  fresh  vioor  to  the  troops,  and  a  new  impulse  to  their  ^peed> 
n  the  fifth  day,  the  American  army,  havings  hi  the  last  twen^- 
four  hcurs,  marched  forty  miles,  crossed  the  river  in  bqafei 
which  had  been  collected  for  the  purpose^  and  ecareely  mmf 
they  over,  when  the  British  appeared  on  the  o|ipoBlie  sholw. 

10.  Chagrined  that  his  adversary  had  thus  eludfd  h|»vfMh 
Comwallto  wheeled  about  and  marched  suUenty  toHaUiboriM. 
Here  many  byallsls  resorted  to  his  staadaML  4itac  ImodMid 
Vhifiola  mlUtIa  having,  fa  jttw  mean  IbM,  >bMd  4hi  AmwPicaii 
army,  Greene  drtemiMd  lo  lecfoM  «!«  Ai^iiMW  bit  iu«* 

R 


iu 


E£TOLl^tlO]tAET  WAR. 


11781. 


;  I 


senee  in  Noftfa-CaraBna,  nipf^^  toimge  of  those  who  had 
embnttedtfaectiueofiiidtifiiHi^^  .  ^"^^ 

lU  Coiiivrailis  hsvinff  delict 
ttie  comitiy  onilie  InnttiaiM  of  the  Haw  liTer*  in  order  to  conn" 
lenanee  dieviskig  of  the  lo^aUsto  in  that  uetf^iboiftflod,  a  body 
of  eatidfy,  raider  AleiiteDant-eolonel  Lee,  and  of  miHtia  raider 
general  Ffeliena,  were  directed  to  mareh  thither  and  attidi  him. 
Juee,  who  led  the  vanj  overtook,  hi  a  long  lane,  a  band  of  tories, 
on  their  mar  to  the  enemy.  Mlatalringhim  for  Tarleton,  they 
expressed  a  uveljjoj  at  the  meeting,  and  declared  their  zealous 
attadmient  to  the  royal  cause. 

18.  Ho|khmf  to  surprise  TflMeton,  who  was  but  a  mile  in  ad- 
vanee,  Lee  fi^bbre  to  eorrect  their  error ;  but  whfie  he  was  en» 
deayoring  to  pass  them,  the  militia  came  up  and  engaged  their 
rear.  I^Unqidshing  his  first  project,  he  ordered  his  cavaliy  to 
ftll  upon  the  tories,  who  were  slaughtered  without  mercy,  while 
protesting  tfai^  were  **die  very  bei^  friends  of  the  king.'*  Be- 
tween two  and^ree  hundred  were  Idlled.  Tarleton,  alarmed 
by  the  firing,  retreated  instandy  to  flillsborough.  On  his  Way, 
he  cut  down  a  small  par^  of  royalists,  mistakhig  them  for  whig 
militia. 

13.  Lea'dng  Hilhhorough,  Comwallis  next  encamped  near 
Guilford  court-house.  Greene,  having  been  still  further 
strengthened  by  sevwal  bodies  of  militia,  pursued  and  oflered 
him  battle.  On  the  ISth  of  March,  an  engagement  was  fought. 
At  the  fimt  ftfe,  the  Noith-Garolina  miHtia,  who  were  in  the 
iiront  Hne,  fied.  The  eecond  line  was  also  routed.  The  conti- 
nentals, vHio  Composed  the  third,  fought  witii  their  usual  bravery, 
and  for  an  hour  and  a  half  mahitained  the  conflict  with  great 
fimmess.  They  at  length  g«ve  way,  but  retreated  in  good  order, 
the  slaughter  tliey  had  made  in  the  enemy's  ranks  preventing 
punuit  *  Both  skies  sustahied  neariy  an  equd  loss. 

14.  This  victory,  won  by  a  far  inferior  force,  was  more  glo- 
rious than  advantageous  to  the  British  army.  Greene,  expecting 
and  desiring  to  be  attacked  at  his  place  of  retreat,  made  prepa- 
rations for  a  second  engagement.  Comwallis,  far  from  courting 
a  battle,  deemed  it  prudent  to  retire  to  Wilmington,  near  the  sea, 
He  was  pursued  for  a  few  davs,  but  so  excessive  had  been  the 
suiforings  of  the  Americans,  from  hunger  and  fatigue,  that  many 
ikinted  on  the  maroh,  and  at  Ramsay's  mills  the  army  halted  to 
aeek  reflresbment  and  repose* 

15.  Aiker  remauidng  mree  weeks  at  Wflmington»  Comwallis 
proceeded  to  Petersburgh,  in  Yisvinia.  From  Ramsay's  mills, 
Greene  marched  towtids  Camden,  where  were  posted  nine 
hundred  m«B)  under  tiie  comnuMMl  of  lord  Rawdon.    He  took  r 


)se  whohad 

kii  legkMl,  to 
der  to«ottii" 
(kxly  a  body 
diU^  under 
1  attick  him. 
indof  tories, 
yrleton,  they 
hehr  zealous 

mile  in  ad- 
B  he  was  en^- 
igaged, their 
a  cavaiiy  to 
nercy,  while 
Idng/*  Be- 
ton,  alarmed 
On  his  way, 
em  for  whig 

lamped  near 
Btlll  further 
and  oflTered 
t  was  fought, 
were  in  the 
The  conti- 
Bualbravery, 
t  with  great 
1  good  order, 
9  preventing 

OS  more  glo" 
le,  expecting 
made  prepa- 
rom  courting 
near  the  sea, 
ad  been  the 
e,  that  many 
my  halted  to 

i)  Comwallid 

nsay's  mills^ 

posted  .line 

He  took  r 


1781.] 


RirroLimoNART  wab. 


tw 


position  on  Hobkfark's  hiD^  )4i0tt  «  mile  from  th^  British  en- 
trenchments. At  this  porftfo&i  Ae  iynericans  were  attacked  nm 
the  25th  0^  April.  In  the  begfaiiiiiig  of  the  a«.*tion,  thefar  bravery 
gained  adfanCages  whidi,  in  ito  {MPogress,  were  lost  by  the  pre- 
mature retreat  of  two  eompaoies,  acctudoned  by  the  deadi  of  all 
their  officers.  At  this  reverse  of  fortune,  Greene  retfared  a  few 
miles  from  the  field,  both  aranies  having  SMtafaied  nearly  an 
equal  loss.    * 

16.  In  April  and  May,  sevend  British  poets  in  South-Careli- 
na^  fell  into  the  power  ^  the  brave  and  aetive  partiKaBs,  who^ 
with  small  bodies  of  troops,  wen  ever  present,  where  oppression 
was  to  be  resisted,  or  glory  won.  Marion  and  Lee  invMted  and^^ 
took  fort  Watson.  Oranffsbuiv  wad  fort  Motte  surrendered  to 
Sumpter.  Lee  csq[»tured  fort  Granlnr,  aoid  Marion  dro^fe  firom 
€^rgetown  the  troops-stationed  to  derond  it.  Noneof  ^ese  poets 
had  numerous  garrisons,  the  prisoners  being  less,  in  the  wnole, , 
dian  eight  hundred ;  but  the  advantages  they  had  secured  to  the 
enemy  rendered  their  cutiwe  important  to  the  Ameri<»n  cause* 

17.  About  the  last  of  May,  lord  Rawdou  retired  to  Monk's 
comer,  near  Charleston,  leaving  garrisons  oidy  at  Ninety-Six 
and  Augusta.  The  latter  post  was  besieged  by  Lee,  and  soon 
capitulated.  Nhiety-SiXj  nHdch  was  much  strtmger,  was  Invest- 
ed by  the  nudn  army.  The  siege  had  continued  three  weeks, 
and  eveutual  HucoesB  appeared  certaiii,  when  intelligence  arrived 
that  lord  Rawdon,  having  received  a  reinfinroement  from  Ireland, 
was  approaching,  wiA  two  thousand  men,  to  the  relief  of  the 
place.  All  hope  was  now  lost  of  reducfaig  it  by  the  slow  opera- 
tions of  a  siege.  On  the  18th  of  June,  the  Americans,  with 
great  gallai^f  made  an  assault  upon  the  works.  The|r  were 
received  with  no  less  gallantry  by  the  garrison,  and  repulsed. 
Greene  then  retired  towards  North-Carolina,  and  three  days 
afterwards  lord  Rawdon  arrived  at  Ninety.'Sii:.      c    ^ff 

18.  During  this  year,  the  inhabitants  of  the  CaroUnas  endured 
calamity  and  distress,  ftom  which  humanity  revolts  with  horror. 
Tile  country  was  ravaged  and  plundered  by  both  armies.     The 

Eeople,  in  sentiment,  were  about  equally  mvided.  Village  was 
ostile  to  village,  and  neighbor  to  neighber}  and  their  hostility 
had  been  embittered  )>y  accusation  and  retort,  by  attack  and  w- 
prisal,  until  pillage,  bundng,  and  murder,  became  familiar  to  all. 
Whenever  a  republican  or  royalist  fell  into  the  power  of  an  ad- 
versary, he  was  instantiy  sacrificed  in  revenge  of  a  friend*  or  to 
gratify  political  hatred.  It  is  asserted  that,  in  this  mamunr,  thou* 
sands  were  put  to  death.  Each  party  aimed  at  the  extfarpation 
of  the  other,  and  the  whole  country  presented  an  unvaried  scene, 
of  blood  and  slaughter.    But  censure  ought  not  to  rest  equally 


1981 


nmQLxrmmmr  wjyt, 


[1781. 


uBoiitiw tivo fcuHH^  InthecommeiiMnieBleflliecoBtes^-tlie 
mtiri^  to  ten&^dM  pemte  inta  ■otoMm,  i6t  aa  eniBple 
wMi  the  totiM  wme  qukui^  Imt  the  wUgs  dow;  to  foflow ;  aad 
inlm  prOgVMt  dieABMricHi  genenlf,  and  th^  atoae^  aeized 
«v«iT  oecarfon  to  diseoiiBteniBee  auck  viadie^ve  and  bwbttroos 
cMuct; 

19ik  IiOvd'lUiivtlOBfasviiigretiinnd  to  Englaiid,  tbe  eoBuaand 
of  the  BrkUsh  troops,  in  South-Carolfaia,  devolved  upon  Ueute* 
nai^^eoloiiel  SUw«rt»  Inthefaim|inaing<^September»he  took 
post  at  Entaiar.  &nmm  uaurehed  agiJost  him  from  ft%  high 
hillB  ei  9a&tefc  TheiC'  foi^oe*  warn  eqa^j,  aoaouating  en  eaeh 
aUI^  to  ttro  thoaaand  man.  On  the  8th,  a  battle  waa  fbo^ 
niare  Moody  periki^  than  ai^  vrbiA  had  occufred  ^hiring  the 
wflp.  1%oailMEwaamad»l^theAlnericana;  the  Britid^  re* 
aolvrto  and  brave,  made  an  obalinaittreaiafesaioe,  but  woreat  length 
di4vien>  in  disovdir  freaa  the  field. 

2KK  JkmmB  nmnbert  on  tfaair  telraat,^^  took  poeaoealda  of  a 
laige  hrieir  heoae,  and  otbam  of  an  adhihdng  piolDeted  ^anioi. 
¥hm  theee  stMngpOBfUoni,  a<dBadii:  flre^vvaa  ponred  upon  the 
Mitaiet^&mf  vdM>  penriMwi,  for  a  long  thne,  in  a  rash  attempt  to^^ 
tilM  them  b^  storm.  lUiicfaadc  enabled  the  British  oomman- 
derto^  ratty' iris  Inreken  battalioDgi,  and  bring  th«ak  a^ailt  into  ao- 
tionk  Qhleene^  dMpalriiw  of  finrdwr  suficeos)  wilhdfeir  his 
tioopB^  carrying^  wMh-him  »»  woondBd  mat  pitiuw^ab  <?.  - 

fHk  *flielos»oAhoii8idia.iianuneommad^gVMI,hi  ppopor^ 
tioB  to  the  Humftiawi  engage  Oft  the  AMiwioaik  side,  theaum- 
bei^otkiHMl  and  wounded  anomitMi  to  five  hundred  and  fifty ; 
ditltat  of'  the  British,  as  aiaied  bf  themssknes,  to  akneel  seven 
bMtei,  Thii  sangidnaiT  battle  waa  foUoirod  by  the  retreat  of 
tlirtimMi  army  towards  Cbtarttstom  The  Aknericana  pursued, 
ailihy  estribKshing  a  chaht  of  posts  at  a  shoitdislanee  from  that 
^ita[,  protected  the  slate  from  tfaeirinoursions. 

Wi  €orBwallls>  who  left  North-Carolina  in  April,  arrived  at 
FSMN%targh,  in  ¥hfginia,  on  the  Mtfa  of  May.  lie  there  formed 
» junction  with  a  British  detaehafient,  whkeb,  coaunaaded  at  first 
Uf  Arnold  and  afterwardi  by  Bhillips,  had  previously  gained  pes- 
saMon  of  Richmond  and  PortMnaath.  Wltii  the  ftwce  new  at 
kH-cenmand,  he  flattered  himself  that  he  shoaU  be  able  to  add 
this  statifr  aho  to  the  list  of  his  oeaquests. 

MBi  The  Ameriean  troopa,  stationed  hi  Yfarghiia  for  its  defence, 
wet«  indeed  enthrely  insufficient  to  oppose  any  eftectual  resist- 
aacot  Under  their  gallant  leader,  the  Marqate  da  la  Fayette, 
they  aceompUshed  eren  more  than  was  expeoted ;  but  were  un- 
able to  prevent  the  eaamy  ftH>m  marehing  through  (hie  countiy^ 
and  dMbroyiog  wiiKch  publio  and  private  property^ 


1781.] 


REVOLUTIONARY  WAR. 


197 


24.  From  these  excardo]i0)Comwallk  wasreisBlIed  teethe  sea- 
coast  by  his  commander'hhchief,  who,  having  infter^orited  a  let- 
ter from  Washington  to^  Congress,  became  acquainted  with  tbtt 
danger  which  threatened  New-tork.  He  was  dircoled  to  taka 
a  position  near  the  ocean,  where  his  army  and  die  ^jeet  nu|^ 
afford  mutual  protection,  until  the  ev^it  o£  the,  operations  at  tiie 
north  should  be  Imown^  He  selectecP  Yorktofirn  and  Glouces- 
ter point,  situated  on  opposite  sides  of  York  vi^er,  whiqb  ^p- 
ties  into  Chesapeake  bay.  He  had  an  army  o^  more  i^na 
10,000  men,  and  applied  all  his  means,  with  unwearied  industaty 
and  zeal,  to.  fortify  these  commanding  positions. 

25.  In  the  mean  tune,  hut  littlejprogress  had  been  made  in 
the  preparations  to  besiege  New-Yoik.  Of  %  6,000  man, 
whom  the  northern  states  were  required  to  fiiraish  for  liiat  jpur- 
pose,  a  few  hundred  only,  at  the  beginning  ^f  August,  had  join- 
ed  the  army.  On  ^e  other  hand,  &e  enemy  in  the  city  had 
been  ^rengthened  by  tho  anrival  of  3000  (Germans.  In  this 
posture  of  affairs,  the  idea  of  an  expe(^tion  cigamst  ComwalUfi 
occurred  to. the  commander-hi-chief.  While  delibenrthig  qq 
the  enterprise,  he  received  hifonnolion  that  a  Fnmdi  fleet,  un- 
de^  the  count  de  Qrasse,  wiUt  8000  troops  on  board,  wai  on 
the  way  to  America,  and  destined  to  the  Chessqpeake. 

•  26.  He  hesitated  no  longer,  but  determined  to  conduct  the 
expedition  in  person.  The  show  of  an  intention  to  attack  New- 
Yoric,  was  nevertheless  preserved.  After  the  troops  left  their 
respective  positions,  and  crossed  the  Hudson,  their  march  was 
so  directed  as  to  lead  S|r  Henry  Clinton  to  bc^ve  iktfkt  it  wa* 
the  object  of  WasMngton  to  gain  possession  of  Staten  Islandt  hi 
order.to  facilitate  his  designs  against  the  city.  The  despatchag 
he  had  intercepted  assHsted  to  deceive  hiin»  and  not  until  the  ifv. 
nw  had  crossed  the  Delaware,  and  was  tiius  bevond  t|)e  rea^ 
of  pursuit,  did  he  suapect  the  real  object  of  his  adveiaary* 

27.  He  then  determined  to  profit  by  his  absence,  or  recall 
him,  by  some  daring  enterjnise  at  the  north.  Giving  to  the 
traitor  Arnold,  who  had  just  returned  from  Yirghiia,  me  comr 
mand  of  a  strong  detachment,  he  s0nt  him  against  New-London 
a  flourishing  city  situated  upon  the  river  Thames,  in  his  native 
state.  Nearly  opposite,  on  a  hili  hi  Qroton,  stood  fort  Gill- 
wold,  which  was  then  garrisoned  by  militia,  hastily  munmoned 
from  their  labors  in  the  field. 

28.  Against  this  fort  Arnold  despatched  a  part  of  his  troopi^ 
It  was  assaulted  on  three  sides  at  tiie  same  moment.  The  gar^ 
risen,  fighting  m.  view  of  their  property  and  their  homes,  made 
a  brave  and  obstinate  resistance.  By  their  steady  and  wellc 
directed  fire,  many  of  the  assailants  were  killed.    Fressiog  for* 

R2 


198 


KETOLVTIONARY  WAR. 


[ITOl. 


Wi/ti  iM  pwtererlng  ardor,  fhe  «i)mny  entered  the  fort  tfarauch 
Ihtwfa'iiltfii.  ImineditteiyillwiifatanBeteeMed.  Irrlt«t«Hby 
gpflmCkT  iHiidi  ihoukt  h«v«  atmed  adniration,  •  British  officer 
%|itrM  who  otttttatuded  the  (brt.  « I  did,'*  raid  colonel 
i^M^^,  ^*  iNrt  Jim  4»  now,"  and  pmented  him  hit  sword. 
lift  ielMd  tt^  and  with  ravage  oraeltjr  plunged  it  iB|»  hit  bosom. 
This  was  ^  signal  for  an  indiscriminate  massacraw  Of  one 
httndrsd  wfiA  tixty  men,  corapeateg  liia  garrison,  aU  hut  forty 
were  Irilled  or  wenndcd,  and  mttst  of  them  after  resistance  liad 
erased*  flaUora  hra  ii^loryof  victory  been  tarnished  by  such 
detastabla  basbari^.  TSeenemgrtt^  atersd  New-London, 
Hrhidi  was  ssit  im  fire  and  consumed.  It^e  property  dsetrbyed 
w|a  of  iv,(r>ienM  nlue.  Poreehring  no  other  object  within  the 
«ia«h  of  his  fiireey  Aniolu  led  back  bis  troops  to  INew-Tprlr. 

M.  The  march  of  Washliigton  was  not  arrested  by  this  bar- 
barous inroad.  H#  pressed  fbrward  with  the  utmost  speed,  the 
mvat  objaet  in  view  imparting  vigor  to  his  troops.  At  Chester, 
ba  rsealved  the  chaanng  int^ligen^,  ^at  aamiratde  Qrasse 
had  entarad  the  Chesapeake  with  a  ibrce  sufficiently  itrong  to 
pnifmi  the  escape  of  the  enemy  by  w^r.  On  the  Sdth  of 
oapibemberv  the  last  division  of  the  allied  forces  arrived  at  the 
nlMe  appofailad  for  thefar  meetinj^.  The  whole  consisted  ol' 
Xft.000  men,  and  wra  Aumlshed  wwi  a  large  and  powerfid  traiu 
pf  iMittering  aftittery. 

$0.  A  iKidy  of  troops  under  general  de  Choira  was  stationed 
to  watdi  the  small  garrison  at  Gloucester  Point,  on  the  nortli 
bank  of  tlie  rhrer ;  and  on  the  S6th  the  several  divisions,  des- 
dnadto  besiega  the  main  garrison  atYorktown,  reached  die 
piillioni  aasl^ad  them.  On  the  night  of  the  sixth  of  October, 
advaaeinf  to  within  600  vairds  of  the  enemv's  lines,  the^r  begun 
tbair  first  parallel,  and  labored  with  such  silence  and  diligence, 
tfUflt  thav  #Mra  net  diseoivarad  mitil  morning,  when  the  works 
^h^  l^aff  fftiiad  were  suAolant  to  protect  them. 

•).  Oki  the 9th,  saiveral  batlariaaibeing  completed,  a  hravy  can- 
nonade WM  begun^  Many  of  the  enemy's  guns  were  dismount- 
ed, and  porttons  of  their  forliflcations  laid  level  with  the  ground. 
0^  Ifce  night  of  the  1 1th,  the  besiegers  commenced  their  second 
parallel,  three  hundred  yards  in  advance  of  the  first.  This  ap- 
proach WM  made  so  mueh  sooner  than  was  expeoted,  that  the 
men  were  not  discovered  at  their  labor,  until  they  had  randeret^ 
themsshrra  secure  Arom  aU  molestatton  In  front.  The  Are  fkDm 
the  i^w  batterira  wra  stUl  more  fUiious  and  destruothre. 

itt.  From  two  British  radoubta,^  hi  advance  of  their  maki 
wofks,  and  flankkig  thora  of  tha  besiegf  rs,  the  men  in  the  trench- 
^  w«N  10  severely  annoytd  that  Wsih^gton  rMoW^d  to  itom 


[1781. 

)  fort  throuffi  t 
IrritiitoHby 
British  officer 
raid  colonel 
a  hb  sword, 
to  hia  bosom. 
:r*i  Of  one 
an  but  forty 
oristancehad 
ishod  by  such 
few-I«Midon, 
rCy  distrbyed 
set  within  the 
ew-Yprk. 
}  by  this  bar- 
3Bt  speed,  the 
At  Chester, 
at  do  Qrasse 
atly  itrong  to 
the  asth  of 
irrived  at  the 
consisted  ol' 
owcrfullraiu 

pras  Stationed 
on  the  nortii 
ivisions,  des- 
reached  the 
I  of  October, 
I,  thev  iMguii 
kd  diligence, 
k  the  worlu 

a  heaxry  can- 
re  dismount- 
tlie  ground, 
their  second 
:.  This  an- 
ted, that  the 
lad  rsnderec^ 
he  lira  (h>m 
ithre. 

tiielr  malu 
1  the  trsnoh* 
«4  to  iton» 


1781.] 


BEVOLUTIONARY  WAS. 


m 


them.  The  entenrise  again^  one  was  eonmitlsd  to  an  AnMri- 
can,  tlMt  against  tfafr  otb«)r  to  a  iVeBsh  ^eUdUBML  Ooioiiel 
Hamikon,  who  led  the  van  of  the  fomii0r»  liMHla  aooh  an  fanpe-- 
tuons  attadc,  that  possession  wassoon  ohtaiiiad,  widiMttle  sliiii|h 
tar.  BetaUation  for  the  carnage  at  fivrl  QfiswaM  might  iMnre 
been  kistaied.  Bat  <*the  soldiers,^  said  cdoad  Hanrilton,  **fB^ 
capable  of  imitatfaig^«xampies  of  byui^arilf,  adifelgetling  recent 
proyocation,  spared  overy  man  that  ewMd  to  resist.''  Ilie 
ranch  detachment  was  equally  brave  and  succassfnl,  hot)  op- 
posed Irir  a  stronger  force,  sustained  a  mora  eoasiderable  loaa. 

88.  Oomwailis,  peroei^rhig  no  hope  of  salblj  bet  hi  flight,  at- 
tempted) on  tlie  eveiking  of  the  16th,  to  cross  ofer  to  Gloucester, 
intending  to  force  his  way  through  the  trooea  nnder  de  Choice, 
and  proceed  by  rapid  marches  to  New-ToK.  Before  reaching 
the  opposite  moft  with  the  first  divfadon  of  his  army,  a  storm 
disperaed  Ids  boats  and  compelled  him  to  abandon  the  project 

84.  On  the  momfaig  of  the  17th,  additional  batteries  weie 
completed  by  the  besie^rs.  The  cannonade  became  too  power- 
ful to  be  reidsted.  TIm  enemy's  works  were  slnMnff  rapidly 
under  it,  and  neariy  all  their  guns  were  sUeneed.  Before  noon, 
Comwallis  beat  a  jNuriley ,  and  proposed  that  eomwlsal  oners  should 
be  appohited  to  settle  terms  of  surrender.  They  were  accord- 
ingly appohited,  and  on  the  19th  of  October,  the  terms  which 
they  had  agreed  upon  were  ratified  by  the  respective  comman- 
ders. 

86.  The  naval  foree  m  the  haribor  was  surrendered  to  de 
Grasse,  the  garrlaon  to  the  American  general.  To  the  sarrison, 
the  same  terms  were  granted  as  had  been  eonooded  to  the  troops 
1^0  capitulated  at  Charleston ;  and  general  Ltaecln,  who  was 
present,  was  designated  by  Washington  to  reaelfe  the  sword  of 
CortiwalUs.  The  number  of  prisoners  ejcceedsd  seven  thousandi 
of  whom  ncf  jrly  three  thousand  wei^  not  fil  for  duty. 

86.  On  no  occasion  during  the  wsr,  did  the  American  people 
manifest  greater  exuUation  and  joy.  To  the  Ghrer  of  all  good, 
they  united  in  rendering,  with  flratefiil  hearts,  thanksglvhig  and 

C'se  for  the  decisive  victory  wnioh  he  had  enabled  them  to  gain, 
m  the  natore  and  duration  of  the  contest,  the  afllsotions  of 
infctiy  had  been  so  concentrated  upon  their  oountiy,  and  so  in- 
tense was  thehr  Interest  In  Its  fate,  that  the  news  of  thb  brilliant 
success  produced  the  most  rapturous  emotlooBi  under  the  opera- 
tion of  which  some  were  deprived  of  their  reason,  and  one  aged 
patriot  in  Philadelphia  expired. 

87.  The  Iocs  of  a  second  entire  armv  extfaigulshed  every  hope, 
which  the  pvople  of  Great  Britain  haa  entertahied,  of  the  lubju* 


aoo 


KETOLUTiaNABY  WAR 


[1782. 


gation  of  their  eblonies.  Their  burdeiia,  ivhieh,  although  bemr)-, 
they  had  bonie  with  patleiioe»  while  aniiiiatid  Irav  the  prospect  oi' 
succeaa,  now  preeaed  with  btolerable  welt^  Tkiej  demanded, 
wHh  an  almoit  unairfmoiia  vcMke,  that  an  end  ahould  meadily  be 
put  to  a  hepelwaaiaiidmteoua  war«  But  the  apeech  of  the  king 
to  pafUament,  at  dib  optaing  of  the  wibter  aeasion,  diaeoTered, 
that  his  feeUnga  and  detenilination  remained  undwnged.  Bear- 
ing no  portion  of  the  faurdena  of  war^  he  felt,  wl&  undiminiahed 
force,  his  ivluctanoe  to  pnrt  wtth  Uie  authority  whioh  he  lutd 
Once  exerciaed  over  tittwa  millions  of  sobjecta. 

88.  But  the  houae  of«onmonS|  spesddnff  (he  sentiments  of  the 
people,  expressed,  la  energetio  language,  their  dlaapprobation  of 
all  nirUier  attempts  to  reduce  the  colonies  to  obedience  by  force. 
Lord  NorUi,  contranr  to  the  wishes  of  his  sovereign,  then  re- 
signed the  office  of  prime  minister.  Another  cabinet  was 
formed,  who  advlaed  the  king  to  concede  Indqiendence  to  the 
colonieiB.  Eariv  in  the  spring  of  1782,  pacific  ovtrturea  were 
accordingly  made  to  the  American  government,  and  both  nations 
desisted  from  hosdle  measures.  :.^ 

89.  Congress  had  prevhnialy  appointed  John  Adams,  of  Mas- 
sachusetts, a  commissioner  to  treat  with  Great  Britain,  when- 
over  her  govermnent  should  express  a  desire  for  peace.  He 
was  one  of  the  earlleat  <^posers  of  parliamentary  encroachment. 
Actuated  by  hatred  of  tyranny  as  well  as  love  of  country,  he  had, 
before  resistance  was  contemplated  by  others,  devpted  all  the 
energies  of  his  powerAil  mind  to  the  work  of  enlightening  the 
people,  and  preparing  them  for  the  contest  which  he  foresaw 
was  approaching,  u  the  continental  conffress  he  was  conqpi- 
cuoue  ror  his  taknta  and  leal.  Appointed  minister  to  Hollaad, 
he  succeeded  In  obtaining  a  loan  at  Amsterdam,  when  the  re- 
sources of  his  country  were  almost  exhausted,  and  in  concludUi|f 
with  Uiat  republic  a  treaty  of  amity  and  commerce. 

40.  As  collewues  with  him,  congress  now  appointed  Benja- 
min Frankl*n,  ^hn  Jay,  and  Henry  Laurens.  The  first  wan 
minister  to  France.  He  was  beloved  by  his  country  for  the 
aenrioes  he  had  rendered  her;  and  illustrious  throughout  the 
world  for  his  Inventive  genius  and  practical  philosophy.  John 
Jttv  was  a  native  of  NewwYork;  was  disthigulahed  for  the  purity 
of  his  moral  character,  and  his  attachment  to  the  rights  of  man- 
kind. He  had  long  been  a  member  of  congress,  and  was  then 
Uie  representative  of  the  United  Statea  at  the  Spanish  court. 
Henry  Laurens  was  a  olthien  of  South  Calrolina,  bad  been  pre* 
itident  of  congress,  had  been  appointed  minister  to  Holland,  but 
when  crowing  the  ooean,  wai  oaptured  by  a  British  oruiier  and 


[1782. 

)Ugh  bear}", 
proipeetol' 
demmad, 
meadily  be 
of  tbeking 
discovered, 
^.  Bear- 
kdiminuhed 
kh  he  bftd 

nents  of  the 
>rabBtiMiof 
ce  by  force. 
a,  then  re- 
abinet  waa 
bnoetothe 
turee  were 
loth  nations 

ns,  ofMaB- 
ain,  when- 
leace*  He 
roaehment. 
17,  he  bad, 
ted  all  the 
itenlngthe 
le  foreiaw 
rai  oonspl- 

0  Holland, 
len  the  re- 
concluding 

ted  Beiga- 
i  6nt  wa8 
17  for  the 
ughout  the 
hy.  John 
the  purity 
its  ofman- 

1  Ytu  then 
ilsh  court. 

been  pre- 
)lland,  but 
irulier  ind 


ITSa.] 


■mP'    uUnONAET  WJUL 


201 


ooafin^f  on  a  ebarf^e  of  treason,  to  thi»  tosnar  of  London.  In 
tb*«Mbnueft  of  simerfaiM  fai  his  cwuttrf*  esus0»  he  displayed 
a  chwBler  formed  after  toe  aiodels  of  aaiBiiity. 

41.  To  negotiate  with  these,  Bis.  OincaM  was  apBohofted  on 
the  part  of  Great  Brttahib  The  conAnMea  were  heU  at  Flwis, 
wh«re^  in  Noveniber,  17S8,  preUndoarr  artieks  were  agreed 
upon.  These  were  to  foprm  the  basis  of  a  definitive  treaty,  tlie 
coB0lusloa4>f  wldcb  was  deferred  until  peace  diould  tdce  {dace 
between  France,  the  ally  of  tlie  United  States,  and  Great  Bri- 
tain^ Thiat  event  occurred  on  the  thfard  dqr  of  SepteoBber,  1768 ; 
and,,  on  the  same  day,  a  definitive  tisaiy  between  the  parent 
couaftry  aad  her  late  colonies  was  also  signed. 

42.  The  provisioBS  of  the  tveaty  attaatthe  seal  and  ability  of 
the  Ammioan  negottators,  as  weU  as  the  Ubeval  feeliags  wnidi 
aetnstisd  the  new  Britteh  mbdstry.  Thi  faidspendenoe  of  the 
Uoitod  State*  was  fiillyacknowledgad^  The  right  of  fishb^  on 
the  banks  of  Ifewfirandland,  and  certahi  fteilities  hi  the  emoy* 
ment  ef  that  rlaht^  were  second  to  them  fi>r  ever ;  and  territory 
was)oeded  to  them  more  extensive  than  the  moat  sanguine  had 
dansd  to  antieipaAa  or  to  hope.  Daring  the  negotiait^m»  France, 
to  insure  the  fiitnre  dependenee  of  her  aHieeupeft  herself,  endear 
rolled^  by  secret  hitri|^,  to  prevent  them  from  obtaiafaig  aa  f»> 
voraUi  ttama  as  «r«a  their  laile  eneasief  were  wUUng  to  granfr-«* 
a  strJUns;  proof  of  the  selfishness  of  naUoos. 

48i  WbUe  the  negotiations  were  pendfaig)  the  Amerieaaitvoope 
were  retained  hi  service,  but  remained  unemployed  at  thefar  va« 
rioM  stations.  They  saw  with  pleeswe  the  end  of  their  toils 
approaoUng,  but  apprehended,  that  their  eooati^,  when  she  no 
lonnr  needed  their  services,  would  fibraat  with  what  seal  and 
fidelity  thev  had  been  rendoMd.  The  oOoers,  espeefadly,  dread- 
ed that,  after  havinff,  for  want  of  pay,  expended  their  private 
fortunes,  and  afVer  having  exhausted  tbehr  strength  hi  the  per* 
formance  of  arduous  and  protracted  services,  they  should  be  dis- 
missed in  poverty,  without  any  secure  provision  for  thehr  future 
support. 

44.  In  the  course  of  the  war,  a  resoluUon  had  been  adopted 
bv  congress,  stipulating  that  the  officers,  after  being  dUlianded, 
should  receive  half-pay  for  life.  This  resolution  had  never  been 
ratified  by  the  requuite  number  of  states,  and  no  safe  reliance 
could  therefore  oe  placed  upon  it.  In  Dec.r.;ber,  1782,  the 
ofilcers  forwarded  to  congrem  a  petition  praying  that  all  arrears 
which  were  due  to  them  might  be  dischsifed,  and  that,  instead 
of  half-pay  for  Ufa,  a  sum  equal  to  five  vesn  Adl  pay  should  be 
paid  or  secured  to  them  when  disbanded. 


d02 


BSTOLimONART  WAR. 


ims. 


46.  iW^dNf^congfCM  to  conqply  with  this  request  psodu' 
ced  Ml  alanniiM;  igMoit  In  that  porttou  of  the  anmr  atatloiied  at 
Newbui|^.  Anaddrew  to  the  offieen  was  privaletjr  einulated, 
written  wlli^  |pre«t  abUkjr^  and  admivablf  well  fitted  to  woirk  upon 
those  passions  which  recent  eufierings  and  glooaijr  forebocttngs 
had  excited  hi  evvry  bosonu  The  writer  boldlj  recamnmuled 
that,  as  all  the  ^applications  to  the  sympathy  «nd  jostioe  of  con^ 
gress  had  failed  of  8iieoess«  an  appeal  riiould  lie  made  to  their 
fears. 

46.  Fortunately  the  eommandeivin-chief  was  in  camp. 
Though  cCnseions  diat  the  officers  had  just  cause  of  eomphklnt^ 
he  was  aware  that  duty  to  his  country  and  even  flriendsli^  for 
them,  required  that  he  should  prevent  the  adoption  of  rash  and 
disorderly  expedients  to  obtain  redress.  Gallinff  them  tomther, 
hC)  by  a  calm  and  sensUile  address,  persuaded  them  to  rdy  stUl 
longer  upon  the  disposition  of  congress  to  perform  for  them  when- 
ever the  limited  means  of  the  nation  would  permit. 

47.  In  a  letter  to  that  body,  ffhring  an  account  of  tibese  occar* 
rences,  he  maintained  and  enforced  the  dalns  of  the  officers 
with  such  patluM  and  strength  of  reasonings  that  their  request 
was  granted.  In  November,  1788,  the  patriot  armt  was  dis- 
banded, and  again  minffled  with  their  fellow  citiiens.  In  tiie 
same  month,  New- York  was  evacuated  fay  th«  BrMah  troops. 
General  Washington,  taking  an  affectionate  leave  of  his  officers^ 
repaired  to  Annapolis,  where  congress  was  sitting,  and  there, 
at  a  puldic  audience,  with  dignity  and  sensibility,  resigned  Ills 
commission  as  commander-in-chief  of  the  American  armies. 
Then,  with  a  character  ilhwtrious  throughout  the  world,  he  re- 
turned to  his  refiidenoe  at  Mount  Vernon,  possessing  the  shicere 
love  and  profound  veneration  of  his  countryman* 


[W83v 


rirtttioiifBdat 
[7  eireulatod, 
towoikupon 
foMbodUiigif 
BcamiBended 
rtice  of  ooD'* 
lade  to  their 

■  in  camp, 
>f  eompliiiit^ 
ilendihip  for 
lofi^ftnd 
emtoaether, 
I  tordjritttl 
rthemwlutt- 

theeeoocar* 
'  tho  officers 
heir  request 
iMT  wasdis- 
ina.  In  tibe 
iMah  troopg. 
hisofficenr, 
and  there, 
rtaigned  his 
can  armies, 
rorldi  he  re- 
:  the  sincere 


CttAPTBR  XXIT. 

AJOOPTION  OF  THE  CONSTITUTION, 
.    AND  WASHINGTON'S  ADMINISTRA^ 
TION. 


nn>£F£ND£NC£  and  peace  did  not  immediately  produce 
all  the  advantages  which  had  been  anticipated  by  an  anient  and 
sanguine  people.  The  evils  of  war  were  protracted  beyond  its 
duration,  ftiblic  and  private  debts  bore  heavily  upon  the  peo- 
ple, restrahiing  their  enteiprise  and  demandhig  all  (heir  re- 
sources. 

3.  Unsupported  by  the  sense  of  imminent  and  common  dan- 
ger, the  aiticlM  of  confederation  were  found  insufficient  to  ac- 
complish the  purposes  of  a  national  government.  They  confer^ 
red  upon  congress  the  power,  not  to  false  numgft  but  mere^  to 
make  requisitions  upon  the  states.  These  were  often  dtoregard- 
cd,  no  attthoritjr  being  given  to  enforoe  obedienee.  The  revt- 
nuo  was  therefore  deficient,  the  public  cretUtors  were  uiqpaid) 
and  the  national  securities  or  evidences  qf  debt  depreciated  so 
low  that  they  were  often  sold  for  one  eigh&  of  their  nominal 
value. 

8.  Neither  did  these  articles  confer  the  power  to  regplate 
commerce.  Congress,  therefore,  could  not  make  commercial 
treaties  with  foreign  nations  which  would  be  obligatory  upon  the 
indivkiual  states.  Unprotected  by  treaties,  and  unsupported  by 
countervailing  regulations,  the  AoMrican  merchants  were  denied 
rU  participation,  except  on  terms  at  once  burdensome  and  de* 
graaing,  in  the  commerce  of  the  world.  The  trade  between 
the  several  states^  which  were  considered  separate  and  indepen- 
dent sovereignties,  was  also  embarrassed  by  numerous  restric- 
llons.  produchig  ftequent  collisions,  and  dhninishing  the  benefits 
which  naturally  flow  (torn  the  unfettered  enterprise  and  Indus*- 
try  of  man.  Commerce  languished ;  and  from  the  want  of  its 
vivifying  hifluence,  all  the  energies  of  the  country  were  dor- 
mant 

4.  To  remedy  these  evils,  congress  applied  to  the  states  |br  a 
grant  of  the  power  to  reffulote  commerce,  and  to  coUeot  a  reve- 
nue from  it.  New-Yonc  alone  reftised ;  but  as  unaniotfty  was 
req|ttiiite|  her  linglo  negative  defeated  the  project.    In  the  me(\ii 


301 


CoNFfiDEAATlOK. 


tl78d. 


tial^  tie  Mcwt  InereMed,  and  in  MasMchusetts,  where  it  wad 
MMlMty  ntfed  to  iumiUfcUqa  »  portkik  0/  the  Inhabitants. 
KeartMJ^Me  of  the  year  17^6,  they  aasembled,  to  the  number 
of  two  tiiopfland,  in  the  northwestern  part  of  the  state,  and, 
ch^o^iM  Dnriel  flhi^  tfieir  Mteis  deimnded  aunt  the  eoHec- 
fioki  of  debts  ibonld  be  suspended,  and  thiit  the  legidatore  fehonld 
■lilfaariBe  the  eraifalog  of  paper  nkotiey  for  genenl'ciraulation. 

5.  Two  bodies  of  militia,  drawn  from  those  parts  of  the  state 
^here  disaflfection  did  not  prevail,  were  fanmed.  Itely  despklched 
affsdnst  them,  one  under  ue  command  of  general  Lincoln,  the 
ouer  of  general  Shepard.  They  were  easily  dispersed ;  and 
afterwards  abonidonlmr  tiMir  sedltioas  purposes,  jiceOpted  the 
ptfoiTered  indemnity  ofthe  go«<emnent 

6.  So  eariy  as  1788,  John  Adams;  being  then  miniater  in  Eu- 
rope, and  seeing  in  what  light  the 'American  confederation  was 
regarded  bf  fotdgn  tuttSftns,  suggested  to  oongress  the  eapedien- 
cy  of  efierang  a  closer  union  of  the  states,  and  of  cemerring 
more  Relent  powers  upon  the  general  gorommttut  A  oonvic- 
tioB  of  the  neeessi^  of  such  a  course  was  also  Mt  hv  general 
WMhinoton,  and  most  of  the  distingnishiMi  patriotB  of  uat  pe- 
riod, b  September,  1786,  upon  tl^  pro]position  of  Mr.  Madi- 
son, of  Virginia,  a  convention  of  commissioners  from  five  of  the 
middle  states,  was  held  at  Annapolis,  for  the  purpose  of  devising 
and  recommending  to  the  states  a  uniform  tfystem  of  commercial 
nguli^ons. 

7.  These  fiommissionerfl,  afttoi*  detlbftrattng  upon  the  subiect, 
came  to  the  eondusion  that  nothing  short  of  a  toorough  rnorm 
of  the  existhur  government  shouldbe  attempted.  This  opinion 
was  esipfessed  m  the  report  of  their  prooeeolngs,  which  was  laid 
before  congress.  That  body  adopted,  in  consequence,  a  resolu- 
tion recommendhur  that  a  convention  of  delegates  from  all  the 
states  should  be  held  at  Philadelphia,  for  the  purpose  of  revishig 
the  artitles  of  confederation,  and  reporting  Buen  alterations  as 
would  render  the  federal  constitution  adequate  to  the  exigences 
of  government,  and  the  preservaUon  of  the  Union. 

8.  With  this  recommendation  all  the  states,  except  Rhode 
Ishind,  complied ;  and  in  May,  1787,  the  convention  met.  Of 
this  body  of  venerable  fend  Uhistrioua  stateamen,  George  Wuh- 
inffton  was  unanimously  elected  president.  They  deliberated 
iirtth  closed  doors,  and  at  the  end  of  four  monthi)  agreed  upon  a 
oonstitution  for  the  United  Statee  of  America,  which,  airar  be- 
ing reported  to  oongress,  was  submitted  for  rattfication  to  oon- 
ventipni  holden  fai  Ae  respeethre  states. 

9.  lliil  constitution,  under  which  the  chixeni  of  this  republic 
luiTe  N\)oy«d  such  unexampled  bapplneM  nA  prosperll7,  mk^t 


rhere  it  wad 
Inhabitants, 
the  number 
\  state,  and| 
ttha«(^ec- 
a(tare  bhottld 
tiraikUon. 
of  the  p^tA 
des|)hiehed 
Lincohi,  the 
)erBed;  and 
Bcqyted  the 

liiterinEu- 
leraiUon  was 
leeiqMdien- 
'  conferring 
A  oonvic- 
;  hv  seneral 
I  of  uat  pe- 
rMr.  Madi- 
n  five  of  the 
^ofidevising 
conuBieroid 

the  subiect, 
>ugh  rnorm 
[*hls  opinion 
lioh  ivai  laid 
eoi  a  resolu- 
firom  all  the 
i  of  revising 
terations  as 
10  exigences 

sept  Rhode 
n  met.  Of 
orge  Wath- 
deliberated 
reed  upon  a 
$h,  after  be- 
tlon  to  cou- 

hii  reoublio 


1787. 


CONFEDERATION. 


205 


in  many  parUculars,  from  the  articles  of  confederation*  It  eon- 
nects  the  states  more  closely  together,  by  establishin§r  a  general 
and  supreme  government  composed  of  three  d^aitmenlBf  legis- 
lative, executive,  and  judicial* 

10.  iTbe  legislative  deputment  consists  of  a  smate  and  house 
of  representatives,  and  is  stjrled  the  congress.  The  members 
of  the  house  are  chosen  by  the  people,  and  hold  their  offices 
two  years.  They  are  sqpportioned  among  the  several  states,  ac- 
cording  te  tiie  number  of  inhabitants,  as  ascertained  every  tenth 
year  by  the  census,  deducting  two  fifths  of  the  slaves. 

11.  The  senators  are  the  representatives  of  the  states,  in 
their  sovereign  c^iadty,  and  are  chosen  by  the  state  legidatures, 
each  choosiii^  two.  The  constitution  ordidned  that  on  assem* 
blihg  at  the  first  sesrion,  tbey  should  be  divided,  as  equally  as 
possible,  into  three  dasses.  Those  composing  the  firat  class 
were  to  hold  tiiefar  offices  but  two  years  ;  those  composbg  the 
s^econd  class,  four  years ;  those  composing  the  third,  six  years. 
Ail  subsequentivehosen  were  to  hold  their  offices  ixx  years,  except 
such  as  should  be  chosen  to  supply  the  places  of  those  who  had 
died  or  resigned.  .  Besides  their  leg^dative  power,  they  have,  in 
concurrence  vrtth  the  executive,  a  voice  in  all  appointments^  to 
office,  and  in  the  ratification  of  treaties. 

12.  The  executive  power  is  vested  in  a  president  appointed 
by  electors.  ThMo  electors  are  chosen  in  tne  respective  states, 
in  such  manner  as  the  different  leg^latures  may  prescribe,  and 
are  equal  in  number  to  the  senators  and  representatives  from 
the  state  in  congress.  If,  however,  no  person  receives  a  ma- 
jority of  the  votes  of  these  electors  the  president  is  then  chosen 
by  the  representatives,  those  from  each  state  having  but  one  vote. 
He  is  elected  for  four  years ;  but  he  may  be  impeached  by  the 
liouse,  tried  by  tiie  senate,  and,  if  convicted  of  misconduct,  may 
be  removed  from  office.  He  is  commander-hi-chief  of  the 
land  and  naval  forces.  He  nominates  to  the  senate  all  officers 
of  the  general  ffovernment,  and  with  the  advice  and  consent  of 
two  thiids  of  ttiat  body,  ratifies  treaties.  A  vice-president  Is 
chosen  at  the  same  time,  and  in  the  same  manner,  to  perform 
all  the  duties  of  president  when  that  office  is  vacant  by  deiith, 
I'eslgnation,  or  removal. 

18.  To  pass  a  law.  theiiouse  and  senate  must  concur,  ana  It 
is  thrat  to  be  sent  to  the  president,  who  must  approve  it  If  he 
does  not  approve  it,  he  must  return  It  with  his  objections ;  and 
it  must  then  be  agreed  to  by  two-thirds  of  botii  branohes.  Lawe 
thus  enacted  are  obligatory  upon  tiie  oitixeiis  Individually,  and 
may  be  executed  by  officen  appointed  bv  the  preeidem  and 
senate     Under  tiie  confederation,  the  ordlnauees  of  Congren 

S 


306 


CONF£D£AAtlON. 


[17S7. 


operated  onljupon  &e  states^  and  no  effidbnt  mode  was  provided 
fbr  ei^wcli^  them.  e.  >   %     ^ 

t4.  ^I*lie  eonsdtntion  confen  oa  eocgrees  the  ponrer  to  de-^ 
clare  war;  to  raise  and  support  armies ;  to  provide  and  main-> 
tain  i  oavjr ;  to  hy  and  collect  taxes,  duties,  fanposts,  md  ex- 
cises ;  to  regolate  commerce ;  to  coin  money ;  and  all  other 
powera  of  a  general  or  national  character.  It  diminishes,  in  no 
respect,  the  Uberty  of  the  citizen,  but  transfen  a  portion  of  the 
powers,  pre^ousty  exercised  by  the  state  governments,  to  the 
government  of  the  union. 

15.  The  judicial  power  of  the  United  States  is  vested  kta 
supreme  court,  and  such  inferior  courts  as  the  congress  may 
establish ;  and  it  extends  to  all  cases  arishig  under  die  constitu- 
tion, the  laws  of  congress,  and  treadles ;  to  all  cases  of  admi- 
rsJty  and  maritime  jurisdiction;  to  all  controversies  between 
citizens  of  different  states,  and  between  foreigners  and  citi- 
zens :  the  judges  hold  their  offices  during  good  behavkrar. 

16.  The  new  constitution  found  opposen  as  well  as  advo- 
cates, and  both  were  equally  zealous.  Tho  former,  ardently 
attached  to  liberty,  imadned  that  rulers  possesj^n^  suc^  exten- 
sive sway,  sueh  abundant  patronage,  and  such  independent 
tenure  of  office,  would  become  fond  of  the  exercise  of  power, 
and  in  the  end,  arrogant  and  tyrannical.  The  latter  professed 
equtd  attaSohment  to  liberty,  but  contended  that,  to  prwerve  it, 
an  enersetic  government  was  necessary.  They  described,  with 
powermi  effiset,  the  evils  actually  endured  from  the  inefficiency 
of  the  confederation,  and  demanded  that  a  trial  ait  least  should  be 
made  of  the  remedy  proposed.  These  took  the  name  of  fede- 
ralists, as  fHeiMUy  to  a  union  of  the  states ;  the  appellation  of 
anti-federalista  was  given  to  their  antagonista 

17.  In  the  conventions  of  eleven  states,  a  md[ority,  though  In 
some  histanees  a  small  one,  decided  in  Ikvor  of  ita  ratification. 
Provision  was  then  made  for  the  election  of  the  offlcera  to  com- 
pose the  executive  and  legislative  departmental  To  Uie  hjofaest 
station,  the  eleeton,  by  a  unanimous  vote,  elected  George  Wash- 
ington, illustrious  for  hii  vfartuea  and  militanr  talento.  To  the 
cecond,  that  of  viee-president,  by  a  vote  nearly  unanimous,  they 
elevated  John  Adams,  who,  in  stations  less  conspicuous,  had, 
frith  equal  patriotism,  rendered  important  services  to  his  country. 

16.  The  fourth  of  March,  1789,  was  the  day  deriffnated  for 
the  new  government  to  commence  ita  operations.  The  dttlays 
incident  to  ita  first  organization,  provented  the  Inauguratinn  of 
.  ^  Papsldent,  until  the  80th  of  April.  The  eeremony  was  wit- 
DMsed,  wllh  inexpressible  jov,  by  an  fanmense  oonoourie  of 
^ttiMM.    In  an  imprenive  addreii  to  both  houses  of  Congress, 


[17S7. 

ivas  provided 

K>wer  to  de^ 
e  and  main' 
>8lt,and  ex- 
ad  all  other 
niahesyinno 
rtion  of  the 
lents,  to  the 

3  vested  in.  a 
MigpreflB  may 
the  constitu- 
lei  of  admi- 
ies  between 
;rs  and  citi- 
avkrar. 
ell  as  advo- 
ler,  ardently 
sucdi  exten- 
independent 
e  of  power^ 
er  professed 
prwerve  it, 
cribed,  with 
inefficiency 
0t  should  be 
inie  of  fede- 
ppellation  of 

;y,  though  in 
nrtification. 
sers  to  com- 
» the  hifffaest 
sorgeWash- 
ts.  To  the 
dmous,  thev 
cuous,  had) 
his  country, 
isiffnated  for 
The  dtthys 
iguratinn  of 
«y  was  wit- 
inooume  of 
»f  Congress, 


1789.] 


Al)MINISTRATlQJJ. 


207 


he  declaredi  with  characteristic  modesty,  his  ^*  incapacity, for 
the  mi^ty  and  untried  cares  before  bim,»'  and  offered  hift  <*  fei;- 
vent  supplications  to  that  Almifl(hty  Being,  whose  providential 
aid  can  supply  every  human  delect,  that  his  benediction  would 
consecrate  to  the  liberties  and  happiness  of  the  people  pf  the 
United  States,  a  government  instituted  by  themselves  for  these 
essential  purposes ;  and  would  enable  every  instrument,  em- 
ployed in  its  administration,  to  execute,  with  success,  the  func- 
tions allotted  to  his  charge." 

19.  He  also  expressed  his  firm  conviction,  "  that  the  foun- 
dation of  our  national  policy  would  be  laid  in  the  pui«  and  im- 
mutable prineiplea  of  private  morality  ;  and  that  the  pre-emi* 
nence  of  a  free  government  would  be  exemplified  by  tuLtheat* 
ti^irtes  which  can  whi  the  affections  of  it^  jpi^ns,  and  com- 
mand the  respect  of  the  world."  -^  w?,t 

20.  **  I  dwell,"  said  he,  "  on  this  prospect  witii  every  satisfac- 
tion which  an  ardent  love  for  my  country  can  inspire ;  since 
tiiere  is  no  truth  more  thoroughly  established,  than  that  there 
exists,  in  the  economy  and  course  of  nature,  an  indissoluble 
union  between  virtue  and  happiness  ;  bet^veen  duty  and  advan- 
tage ;  between  the  genuine  maxims  of  an  honest  and  magnanjp 
mous  policy,  and  the  solid  rewards  of  public  prosperity  end  fett^ 
city ;  and  since  the  destiny  of  the  republican  model  of  govern^ 
ment  is  justly  considered  as  deeply,  perhaps  as  finally,  itiUGed 
on  the  experiment  intrusted  to  the  Amerlcfin  people." 

21.  To  establish  a  revenue  sufficient  for  me  support  of  go- 
vennment,  and  for  the  discharge  of  the  debt  contracted  in  the  re- 
volutionary ^var,  was  the  first  object  of  convress.  For  this  pur- 
pose, duties  were  laid  on  the  importation  of  merchandise,  and  on 
the  tonnage  of  vessels ;  and  from  these  souroes  wero  drawn  Into 
the  national  troasury,  funds  which  had  beforo  been  colleoted  and 
appropriated  by  the  states  on  the  sea  coast. 

22.  Laws,  craating  a  department  of  state,  of  the  treasury,  and 
of  war,  were  enacted ;  and  Mr.  Jefferson,  Mr.  Hamilton,  and 
pfeneral  Knox,  appointed  secretaries  or  principals.  A  national 
judiciary  was  constituted  and  organized.  A  resolve  was  passcNi, 
directing  the  secretary  of  the  treasury  to  prepare  a  plan  for  the 
support  of  public  credit ;  and  amendments  to  the  constitullcui 
were  proposed,  which  were  subsequently  ratified  by  the  stMtti; 
and  which,  removing  many  of  the  objectiions  made  to  it,  rendered 
it  acceptalile  to  all. 

28.  After  the  adjournment  of  congress,  the  prMident  made  a 
tour  through  New- England,  where  he  was  reoiPid  by  the  in- 
habitants with  an  affection  bordering  on  adoration.  People  of 
all  classes  crowded  to  behold  the  man  whose  virtues  and  tabat^ 


2u8 


WASHINGTON'^ 


[1790. 


exalted  him,  in  their  view,  above  the  heroes  of  ancient  and  mo- 
dem times ;  and  to  present  to  hhn  the  undissembled  homage  of 
theii'  grateiU  hearts^  Bat  to  none  did  his  visit  give  more  exqui- 
site pleasure  than  to  the  officers  and  soldiers  of  the  "patriot 
9ntij^**  vrhoJhad  been  bis  companions  in  suffering  and  in  victory, 
Tvhdwere  endeared  to  him  by  their  bravery  and  fidelity  in  war, 
and  liy'the  miagnanhnity  with  which,  m  peace,  they  endured  un- 
merited negle<:t  and  poverty.  - 

24.  At  the  next  session  of  congress,  wtiieh  commenced  in 
January,  1*790,  Mr.  Hamilton,  the  secretary  of  the  treasury, 
made  his  celi^rated  report  upon  the  public  debts  contracted  du- 
ring the  revolutionary  war.  Talcing  an  able  and  enlu'ged  view 
of  we  advantages  of  public  credit,  he  recommended  that,  not  only 
Uie  debts  of  the  continental  congress,  but  those  of  the  states 
arising  from  their  exertions  in  the  common  cause,  should  be 
funded  or  assumed  by  the  general  government ;  and  that  provi- 
sion should  be  mlMle  for  paying  the  interest,  by  imposing  tai^es 
on  certain  articles  of  luxuty,  and  on  spirits  distilled  wiaiin  the 
country. 

25.  Upon  this  report  an  animated  debate  took  place.  Its  re- 
commendations were  opposed  by  that  party  who  had  seen,  or 
thought  they  had  seen,  m  the  constitution,  many  features  hostile 
to  freedom,  and  who  remembered  that  Mr.  Hamilton,  when  a 
member  of  the  convention,  had  proposed  that  the  president  and 
senate  should  be  appobted  to  hold  uieir  offices  during  good  be- 
haviour. They  now  expressed  their  fears,  that  the  assumption 
of  these  debts  would  render  the  government  still  stronger,  by 
drawing  around  it  a  numerous  and  powerful  body  of  public  cre- 
ditors, who,  in  all  its  contests  with  the  states  or  the  people,  would 
be  bound,  by  the  strongest  of  all  ties,  that  of  interest,  to  support 
it  whether  right  or  wrong.  Thb  party,  existing  principally  in 
the  southern  states,  and  professing  an  ardent  attachment  to  the 
equal  rlriits  of  man,  took  the  name  of  republican. 

26.  Mr.  Madison  proposed,  that  whenever  the  public  securi- 
ties had  been  transferred,  the  tiighest  price  which  they  bad  borne 
in  the  market  should  be  paid  to  the  purchaser,  and  the  residue  to 
the  original  holder.  After  an  eloquent  debate,  this  proposition 
was  rejected.  The  party  denominated  federal,  and  existing 
principRlly  in  ^he  northern  states,  supported  throughout,  with 
great  ability  and  kbree  of  reasoning,  the  plans  of  the  secretary ; 
but  on  taking  the  vote  in  the  house  of  representatives,  they  were 
rejected  by  a  mMority  of  two. 

27.  Afurwards  this  national  measure  was  connected,  as  is  too 
fVequentiy  the  case  in  legislative  bodies,  with  one  which  had  ex- 
cited much  local  feeling.     It  was  undeiatood  that,  should  th« 


[1790. 

it  and  mo- 
lomage  of 
ore  €xqui- 
e  "patriot 
in  victory, 
ty]n  war, 
idured  un- 

tnenced  in 
!  treasury, 
raeted  du> 
)rged  view 
Lt,  not  only 
the  states 
sfaionld  be 
that  provi- 
sing  taires 
wiwinthe 

e.    Its  re- 

d  seeut  or 
ires  hostile 
D,  when  a 
Mident  and 
tg  good  be- 
issumpUon 
wronger,  by 
public  cre- 
iple,  would 
to  suppcNct 
ncipuly  in 
lent  to  the 

»lic  securi- 
r  had  borne 
»  residue  to 
proposition 
id  existing 
l^hout,  with 
secretary; 
f  they  were 

ed,  a>!  is  too 

ich  had  exo 

should  tht 


lt90.] 


AmiINISTRATiaN. 


209 


seat  of  government  be  fixed  for  ten  years  at  Philadelphia,  and 
aiterwaHs  permanently  at  a  place  to  be  selected  on  the  Potomac, 
some  southern  members  would  withdraw  their  Of^ponden  to  the 
funding  qrstem.  A  law  to  tliat  effect  was  acconlini^y  enacted. 
The  former  discussion  was  then  resumed.  The  plana  of  the  se- 
cretary were  adopted  in  the  senate  and  afterwards'in  the  house, 
two  members  representing  districts  on  -the  Vcktmac,  changing 
their  votes.  Th^  debt  funded  amounted  to  a  little  more  than 
seventy-five  millions  of  dollars ;  upon  a  part  of  which  three  per 
cent,  and  upon  the  remainder  six  per  cent  interest  was  to  be 
paid. 

28.  The  effect  of  this  measure  was  ^reat  and  rapid.  The  price 
of  the  public  paper,  which  had  fallen  to  twelve  or  fifteen  cents  on 
the  dollar,  suddenly  rose  to  tlie  sum  expressed  en  the  face  of  it. 
This  difference  was  gained,  in  most  instances,  by  purchasers  of 
the  securities,  who,  feeling  indebted,  for  this  immense  accession 
of  wealth,  to  the  plans  of  the  secretary,  regarded  him  with  en- 
thusiastic attachihentu  But  in  others,  this  wealth,  suddei^  ac- 
quired without  merit,  excited  envy  and  dissatisfaction.  These 
joined  the  republican  party ;  who,  fancying  they  were  witnessing 
the  fulfilment  of  their  prediction,  became  more  active  in  their 
opposition. 

29.  The  recommendation  of  the  secretary  to  impose  addi- 
tional duties,  was  not  acted  upon  until  the  next  session  of  con- 
gress. Those  on  distilled  spinta  were  proposed  in  order  to  ren- 
der the  burdens  of  the  inhabitants  beyond  the  Alleghany  moun- 
tains, where  no  other  spirits  were  consumed,  equal  to  those  of 
the  inhabitants  on  the  sea  coast,  who  consumed  most  of  the  ar- 
ticles on  which  an  import  duty  was  paid.  In  the  beginning  of 
the  year  1791,  they  were  laid  asjpropoeed.  A  national  bank, 
recommended  also  by  the  same  officer,  was  in  the  same  year  in- 
eorporated.  Both  measures  met  a  violent  opposition  fr^m  the 
republican  party. 

30.  When  the  new  government  was  first  organised,  but  eleven 
states  had  ratified  the  constitution.  Afterwards,  Nor^-CaroUna 
and  Rhode-Island,  the  two  dlssenUng  states,  adopted  it ;  the  for* 
mer  in  November,  1789,  the  latter  in  May,  1790.  In  1791, 
Vermont  adopted  it,  and  applied  to  oonfl^ress  to  be  admitted  into 
the  union.  The  territory  of  this  state,  situated  between  New- 
Hampshire  and  New- York,  was  claimed  by  both,  and  both  had 
made  grants  of  land  within  its  limits.  In  1777,  Ine  inhabitants, 
refusing  to  submit  to  either,  declared  theiinsel^i  independent. 
Althpugh  not  repreisented  in  the  continental  cmtfreas,  yet,  during 
the  war,  they  embraced  the  cause  of  their  brethren  In  the  other 
states,  suiul  to  them  their  aid  was  often  rendered,  and  was  always 


210 


WABUmQTON'8 


[I7dl. 


efficient  Agretobly  to  their  request,  an  act  was  now  passed, 
cwwtltating  Yermopt  one  of  the  members  of  the  union.  An  act 
was  also' passed,  dedarhig  Aat  the  district  of  Kentudcjr,  then  a 
part  of  Yfar^nia,  should  be  admitted  into  the  union  on  die  first 
dsgr  of  June,  in  tlie  succeeding^  year. 

81.  In^  1701,  wae  eomfdeted  the  first  census  or  mumeratlcm 
of  the  inhabitants  of  the  United  States.  They  amounted  to 
3,921,326,  of  which  number  695,665  were  slaves.  Tl^  reve- 
nue, according  to  the  report  of  the  secretary  of  the  treasury, 
amounted  to  4,771,000  ddkrs,  the  exports  to  about  nineteen, 
and  the  imports  to  aliout  twenty  miUions.  A  great  imprpvem«it 
in  tibe  efapcumstancws  of  tfate  peof^  began  at  this  period  to  be 
visible.  The  establishment  of  a  firm  and  r^ular  government, 
attd  confidence  in  the  mBa  whom  they  had  chosen  to  administer 
it^gaiv»an  impulse  to  thdr  exertions  which  bore  them  rapidly 
ioiward  hi  the  oareor  of  prosperi^. 

82.  In  1790,  atermimtion  was  put  to  the  war  which,  for 
several  jrears,  Ind  raged  between  the  Creek  Indians  and  the  state 
of  Georgia.  Pacific  overtures  were  also  made  to  the  hostile 
tribes  mhabitiag  the  banks  of  the  Scioto  and  the  Wabash.  These 
being  rejected,  an  army  of  1400  men,  commanded  by  general 
Harmer,  was  despatehed  against  them.  Two  battles  were  fought 
near  Chilicothe,  in  Ohio,  between  succesnve  detachments  f!H>m 
this  army  and  the  Imfians,  in  which  the  latter  were  victorious. 

83*  Emlioldened  by  these  succesees,  they  made  more  vigorous 
attacks  upon  the  frontier  settlements,  which  suflered  all  the  dis- 
tressing cahunikies  of  an  Indian  war.  Additbnal  troops  were 
raised,  and  the  command  of  the  whole  was  given  to  general  St. 
Clair.  With  near  2000  men,  he  marched,  in  October,  into  the 
wilderness.  By  desertion  and  detachments,  this  force  was  re- 
duced to  fourteen  hundred.  On  the  third  of  November,  they 
encamped  a  few  miles  from  the  villages  on  the  Miami,  intending 
to  remain  there  until  joined  by  those  who  were  absent. 

34.  But  before  sunrise,  the  next  morning,  just  after  iixa  ;roops 
were  dismissed  from  the  parade,  tliey  were  attacked  iTr4;;v:;H  .. 
edly  by  the  Indians.  The  new  levies,  who  w£i€  iu  front, 
rushed  back  in  confudon  upojrk  the  regulars.  These,  who  had 
been  hasti^  formed,  were  thrown  into  disorder.  Th^,  how- 
ever, with  *;reat  intrepidity,  advanced  into  the  nUdst  of  the  ene- 
m^,  who  r^r<Hl  from  covert  to  covert,  keeping  always  beyond 
reach,  and  j^jii  retr^ming  as  soon  as  the  troops  were  recalled 
from  pursuit  !n  iheae  charges  many  Inrave  and  ejqpwienced 
offioen  we>*e  k!l>ad ;  the  Icm  of  men  was  also  great,  and  no  per- 
manmt  biyression  was  made  upon  the  enemy. 

85*  At  length,  after  a  contest  of  three  or  four  hours,  St. 


1792.] 

Ckdr,  T 
active  du 
field  the 
to  retire' 
for  tiie  SI 
pursuit  ti 
quiefhed< 
ments. 

86.  Ii 
suppos'^d 

sing,  an«j 
proveG  il 
the  assai 
gress,  re 
provisioi 
the  natin 

87.  1] 
unanima 
March, 
elected^ 
Yoric. 
feeling  1 
but  the  < 
their  jud 

88.  ^i 
under  a 
pendenc 
blessing 
of  anarc 
in  times 
jesty  of 
free*  I 
mmd  til 
fom  the 
rected  b 

89.  1 
thehrco 
mUd  vi 
despotic 
consign 
Himsel 
clergy, 
Institute 


[17»I. 


1702.] 


ADMINISTRATION. 


211 


An  act 
7,  then  a 
the  first 

ilnaMi<ni 
ranted  to 
1^5  reve- 
treaauiy, 
nineteen, 
rovement 
Od  to  be 
eminent, 
dminister 
n  rapidly 

hich,  for 
i  the  state 
le  hostile 
i.  These 
y  general 
ire  fought 
ents  from 
orious. 
I  vigorous 
1  the  dis. 
ops  were 
meral  St. 
f  into  the 
>  waft  re- 
^r,  they 
intending 

ii«  Ircops 

'<^h  front, 
who  had 
9y,  how- 
Uieene- 
beyond 
recalled 
erienced 
I  no  per- 

»unr,  St. 


Clair,  ^  hofle  ill  health  disabled  him  from  performing  the 
active  duties  of  commander,  determined  to  withdraw  frdm  the 
field  the  remnant  of  his  troops.  The  instant  that  the  directions 
to  retire  were  ^ven,  a  disorderiy  flight  commenced.  Fortunately 
for  tiie  survivers,  the  victorious  Indians  were  soon  recalled  from 
pursuit  to  the  camp,  by  their  avidity  for  plunder ;  and  the  vui- 
quieAied  continued  thehr  retreat  unmolested  to  the  frontier  setUe- 
ments. 

•  86.  In  thiS  battle,  the  numbers  engaged  on  «u;h  side  were 
suppos'^d  to  be  equaJ.  Of  the  whites,  the  slaughter  wm  almost 
b<?/oiid  ej^HTTipIe.  Six  hundred  and  thirty  were  killed  and  mis- 
sing, and  two  hundred  and  sixty  wm«  wounded— -a  loss  which 
proveo  ii  once  the  obstinacy  of  the  defence,  and  the  bravery  of 
the  assiolants.  On  receiving  information  of  this  dknster,  con- 
gress, rbsolving  to  prosecute  the  war  with  increased  vigor,  made 
provision  for  augmenting,  by  enlistment,  the  military  force  of 
the  nation  to  6000  men. 

v^^o  In  the  autumn  of  1792,  general  Washington  was  again 
unanimously  elected  president  of  the  American  republic,  and  in 
March,  1793,  was  inducted  into  office.  Mr.  Adams  was  re> 
elected  vice-president,  in  opposition  to  Geoi^e  Clinton,  of  New- 
York.  In  the  progress  of  tiiese  elections,  but  littie  party 
feelmg  was  exhibited ;  the  repose  of  society  was  not  disturbed, 
but  the  citizens  raised  to  posts  of  the  highest  honor  those  whom 
their  judgments  and  i^ctions  designate  .as  the  most  worthy. 

88.  While  the  Americans,  with  but  little  alloy,  were  eiyoying, 
under  a  government  of  their  own  choice,  the  blessings  of  inde- 
pendence and  freedom,  the  people  of  France,  by  whose  aid  these 
blessings  had  been  acquired,  were  experiencing  all  die  miseries 
of  anarchy.  Grievously  oppressed  dv  institutions  orif^nating 
in  times  of  ignorance  and  barbarism,  they  had  risen  in  the  ma- 
jesty of  physical  strength,  and  declared  their  determination  to  be 
free«  Against  a  whole  people,  aroused  by  their  sufferings  to  de- 
man'H  their  rights,  what  effectual  resistance  can  be  opposed  ?  Be- 
fom  their  energetic  exertions,  prompted  by  enthusiasm  and  di- 
rected by  fatalskill,  thelrancient  government  crumbled  totiiedust. 

89.  Passing  at  once  from  abject  slavery  to  entire  liberty, 
their  conduct  was  marked  by  the  most  shocking  excesses.  The 
mild  virtues  of  ihmt  king,  alleviating  but  sllghtiy  the  evils  of 
despotism,  couM  not  save  him  from  that  resentment  which 
consigned  to  4«ilscriminate  destruction  the  hereditary  orders. 
Himself,  his  |M«en,  and  many  thousands  of  tha  nobility  and 
elergy,  sufierad  deaUi  on  ^  sfiafToldk  A  new  government  was 
instituted,  havbg,  for  its  fUadaneiilBl  principle,  the  universal 


812 


WASHINGTON^ 


[1793. 


equality  of  man.  ltd  form  waB  often  changed^  and  the  reins  of 
authority  were  succestlively  but  unsteadilyi  held  by  the  tempo- 
rary favorites  of  tin  unenlightenecl  and  capricious  people. 

40.  The  Americans  could  not  regard  with  indifference  this 
struggle  of  their  allies  for  freedom.  They  considered  their 
excesses  as  the  first  effects  of  sudden  relief  from  oppression, 
and  hoped  that  experience  would  produce  sobriety  of  conduct 
and  reverence  for  law.  They  hailed  the  French  revolution  as 
the  offspring  of  their  own,  and  cherished  the  flattering  expecta- 
tion that,  by  the  diffusion  of  the  principles  of  liberty,  the 
whole  civilized  worid  would  become  partalcera  of  its  blessings. 

41.  The  French  people,  at  the  same  time,  regarded  the 
Americans  as  their  brethren,  bound  to  them  by  Uie  ties  of  gra- 
titude ;  and  when  the  kings  of  Europe,  dreading  the  esta- 
blishment of  republicanism  in  her  borders,  assembled  in  arms 
to  restore  monarchy  to  France,  they  looked  across  the  Atlantic 
for  sympathy  and  assistance.  The  new  government,  recalling 
the  minister  whom  the  king  had  appointed,  despatched  the  citi- 
zen Genet,  of  ardent  temper  and  a  zealous  republican,  to  sup- 

§ly  his  place.  In  April,  1793,  he  arrived  at  Charleston,  m 
outh-Carolina,  where  he  was  received,  by  tlie  governor  and 
the  citizens,  in  a  manner  expressive  of  their  warm  attachment 
to  his  country,  and  their  cordial  approbation  of  the  change  in 
her  institutions. 

42.  Flattered  by  his  reception,  and  presuming  tliat  tlie  nation 
and  the  government  were  actuated  by  similar  feelings,  he  as- 
sumed the  authority  of  expediting  privateers  from  that  port  to 
cruise  against  the  vessels  of  nations  who  were  enemies  to  France, 
but  at  peace  with  the  United  States,  a  procedure  forbidden  by 
the  laws  of  nations,  and  derogatory  to  the  government  of  the 
country.  Notwithstanding  this  illegal  assumption  of  power,  he 
received,  on  his  journey  to  Philadelphia,  extravagant  marks  of 
public  attachment ;  and,  on  his  arrival  there,  *'  crowds  flocked 
irom  every  avenue  of  the  city  to  meet  the  republican  ambassador 
of  an  allied  nation."  Intoxichted  by  these  continued  and  in- 
creased demonitrations  of  regard,  ha  persisted  in  forming  and 
executing  scliemes  of  hostility  against  tne  enemies  of-  France. 

43.  The  British  minister  complained  to  the  president,  who, 
by  the  unanimous  advice  of  his  cabinet,  directed  Mr.  Jefferson, 
tlie  eecratary  of  state,  to  lay  before  the  minister  of  France  the 
principles  whicii  would  regulate  tlio  conduct  of  tlie  executive  in 
relation  to  the  powers  at  war.  These  principles  forbade  the 
course  which  Mr.  Genet  had  pursued.  Relying  on  the  popular- 
ity of  liis  nation,  lie  attempttdf  by  Insolent  and  offensive  oeclarn 


d  the  reins  of 
Y  the  tempo- 
eople. 

Iflerence  this 
sidered  their 
1  oppression, 
ty  of  conduct 
revolution  as 
ring  expecta- 

liberty,  the 
A  blessings, 
regarded  the 
e  ties  of  gra- 
ng  the  esta- 
bled  in  arms 

the  Atlantic 
ent,  recallhig 
shed  theciti- 
ican,  to  sup- 
harleston,  in 
l^vemor  and 
n  attachment 
he  change  in 

lat  tlie  nation 
ilings,  he  as- 

that  poft  to 
es  to  France, 
forbidden  by 
iment  of  the 
of  power,  he 
uit  marks  of 
owds  flocked 
1  ambassador 
nued  and  in- 
forming and 
of'  France, 
esident,  who, 
T.  Jeflerson, 
'  France  the 
executive  in 

forbade  the 
the  popular- 
nsivo  aeclarn 


1794.] 


ADMINISTRATION. 


21d 


ations,  to  drive  the  president  from  the  ground  he  hacl  taken. 
.He  threatened  to  s^iipeal  from  the  government  to  the  people,  a 
measure  which  other  agents  of  the  French  republic  had  adopt- 
ed with  success  in  Europe.  Here  the  result  was  different. 
The  people  rallied  around  rulers,  having  the  same  interest  as 
themselves.  The  minister  was  abandoned  by  most  of  his  friends ; 
his  government,  at  the  request  of  the  president,  annulled  his 
powers  ;  and  fearins  to  return,  he  remained  in  the  country,  a 
striking  example  of  the  imbecility  of  a  factious  individual 
among  a  people  confidhig  in  thehr  rulers,  and  contented  with 
thefar  lot. 

44.  This  conduct  of  Mr.  Genet,  the  atrocities  committed  by 
the  French  people,  and  the  dreaded  danger  of  their  example, 
alienated  from  them  many  of  the  citizens  of  the  United  States, 
especially  those  belon^ng  to  the  federal  party.  And  as  the 
worid  was  then  agitated  by  the  mighty  contest  between  France 
and  Gr«»at  Britain — a  contest  which  permitted  not  neutrality  of 
feeling — those  who  became  hostile  to  the  former  became  natu- 
rally we  friends  of  the  latter.  To  her  they  were  besides  attract- 
ed by  identity  of  origin,  by  resemblance  of  institutions,  by  sbni- 
larity  of  language,  by  community  of  laws,  of  literature,  and  of 
religion. 

4ft.  The  republicans  retained  an  unabated  affection  for  the 
French,  whot?e  services  they  remembered  with  gratitude,  and 
whose  struggles  for  freedom,  against  the  league  of  European 
tyrants,  engaged  all  their  sympathy.  Over  tnese  two  piurtles 
Washington,  admitting  no  thought  but  for  his  own  country, 
watched  with  anxious  solicitude,  striving  to  restrain  their  aber- 
rations, and  to  temper  their  mutual  animosities. 

46.  Afler  the  defeat  of  St.  Clair  by  the  Indians,  in  1791,  ge- 
neral Wayne  was  appointed  to  command  the  American  forces. 
Taking  post  near  tlie  country  of  the  enemy,  he  made  assiduous 
and  long  protracted  endeavors  to  negotiate  a  peace.  Failing  in 
these,  he  marched  against  them,  at  the  head  of  three  thousand 
men.  On  the  20th  of  August,  1794,  an  action  took  place  in  the 
vicinity  of  one  of  the  British  garrisons,  on  the  banks  of  the  Mia- 
mi. A  rapid  and  vigorous  charge  roused  the  savages  from  theiv 
coverts,  and  they  were  driven  mora  than  two  milcH  at  the  pqint 
of  the  bayonet.  Broken  and  dismayed,  they  fled  without  re- 
newing the  combat.  Their  houHus  and  oornflelds  were  destroy- 
ed, and  forts  were  erected  on  the  sites  of  tlie  towns  lakl  waste. 
In  179ft,  a  treaty  was  conclud<^d  at  Orenviile,  which,  long  and 
faithfully  observed,  gave  peace  and  necurity  to  the  frontier  inha- 
bitants, permittUig  the  abundant  population  of  the  eastern  states 


314 


WASHINGTON'S 


[1704. 


to  spread,  with  astonishing  rapidity,  over  the  fertile  region  north- 
west of  the  Ohio. 

47.  The  tax  which  had  been  imposed  upon  spirits  distilled 
within  the  country,  bearing  heavily  upon  the  people  in  the  wes- 
tern counties  of  Pennsylvania,  produced  there  disaffection  and 
disturbance.  All  excise  taxes,  of  which  this  was  one,  being 
considered  hostile  to  liberty,  great  exertions  were  made  to  ex- 
cite the  public  resentment  against  those  who  should  willingly  pay 
it,  and  especially  against  the  officers  appointed  to  collect  it  In 
September,  1791,  a  large  meeting  of  malcontents  was  held  at 
Pittsburgh,  at  which  resolutions,  encouraging  resistance  to  the 
laws,  were  passed  ;  and  subsequently  other  meetings  were  held, 
at  which  similar  resolutions  were  adopted.  Committees  of  cor- 
respondence were  also  appointed  to  give  unity  of  system  to  their 
measures,  and  to  increase  the  number  of  their  associates. 

48.  A  proclamation  of  the  president,  exhorting  all  persons  to 
desist  Arom  illegal  combinations,  and  calling  on  Uie  magistrates 
to  execute  the  laws,  was  disregarded.  The  marshal!  of  the 
state,  while  serving  processes  upon  delinquents  and  offenders) 
was  resisted  and  firod  upon.  The  inspector  of  the  revenue, 
dreading  the  indignation  of  the  populace,  procured  a  small  de- 
tachment of  soldiers  to  guard  his  house.  These  were  attacked 
by  a  body  of  five  hundred  insurgents,  who,  setting  fire  to' several 
contiguous  buildings,  obliged  the  soldiers  to  leave  the  house,  and 
deliver  themselves  up.  Several  individuals,  zealous  in  support- 
ing the  government,  were  ordered  to  quit  the  country  and  com- 
pelled to  obey.  An  intention  was  openly  avowed  of  forcibly 
resisting  the  general  government  witn  the  view  of  extorting  a 
repeal  of  the  (wTensive  laws.  The  eflbctive  strength  of  the  in- 
surgents was  computed  at  seven  thousand  men. 

49.  The  prestdent,  concoivinfl  himself  bound  by  the  most  so- 
lemn obligations,  "  tu  take  care  that  the  laws  be  faithfully  execu- 
ted," determined  to  call  out  a  part  of  the  militia  of  Pennsylva^ 
nia,  and  the  adjacent  states,  to  suppress  this  insurrection.  In 
the  autumn  of  1794,  fifteen  thousand  were  detached,  and  being 
placed  under  the  command  of  governor  Lee,  of  Virginia,  were 
marched  into  the  disaffected  counties.  The  strength  of  this  ar- 
my rendering  resistance  desperate,  none  was  onered,  and  no 
l»lood  was  shed.  A  few  of  the  most  active  leaders  were  seized 
nnd  detained  for  le^al  prosecution.  The  great  body  of  the  in- 
Hurgents  on  submission  were  pardoned,  as  were  also  the  leaders, 
ntler  trial  and  conviction  of  treason.  The  government  acquired 
the  respect  of  tlie  people,  by  this  exeilion  of  Its  force,  and  their 
affection,  by  tlds  nisplay  of  Its  lenity, 


[1794. 
sgion  north- 

rits  distffled 

in  the  wes- 
iffection  and 

one,  being 
made  to  ex- 
rillingly  pay 
Uect it  In 
was  held  at 
tance  to  the 
s  were  held, 
ttees  of  cor- 
item  to  their 
iates. 
1  persons  to 

madstrates 
shall  of  the 
d  offenders, 
he  revenue, 

a  small  de- 
ere  attacked 
re  to' several 
e  house,  and 
B  in  support- 
;ry  and  coin« 

of  forcibly 
'  extorting  a 
th  of  the  in- 

the  most  so- 
lifully  execu- 
f  Pennsylva- 
rection.  In 
i,  and  being 
Irglnia,  were 
h  of  this  ar- 
red,  and  no 
were  seized 
ly  of  the  in- 
I  the  loaders, 
ent  acquired 
ce,  and  theU* 


1794.] 


ADMINISTRATION. 


216 


60.  SUice  the  peace  of  1788,  Great  Britain  and  the  tJnited 
States,  had  each  incessantly  complained  that  the  other  had  violas 
ted  the  stipulations  contained  in  the  tireaty^  The  former  was 
accused  of  havhig  carried  away  negroes  at  the  close  of  the  revc 
liitionAry  war ;  and  of  retaining  in  her  possession  certain  mttitary 
posts  situated  in  the  western  wilderness,  and  within  the  limits  of 
the  United  States,  in  conseauence  of  which  the  Americans  were 
deprived  of  their  share  of  tne  fur  trade,  and  the  Indians  incited 
to  make  incursions  upon  the  frontier  settlements.  The  latter 
were  accused  of  preventing  the  loyalists  from  regaining  pomes- 
sion  of  their  estates,  and  British  subjects  from  recovering  debts 
contracted  before  the  commencement  of  hostilities. 

61.  For  the  purpose  of  adjusting  Uiese  mutual  complahits, 
attd  aliBo  of  concluding  a  commercial  tfeaty,  Mr.  Adams,  in 
1786,  was  appointed  minister  to  London.  Great  Britain,  aware 
that  the  articles  of  confederation  did  not  authorize  congress  to 
bind  the  states  by  a  commercial  treaty,  decluied  then  to  nei^o- 
tiate.  After  the  constitution  was  ratified,  ministers  were  biter^ 
changed,  and  the  discussion  was  prosecuted  with  no  little  acri- 
mony and  zeal. 

62.  In  1794,  Mr.  Jay  being  then  minister  from  the  United 
Stdtes,  a  treaty  was  concluded,  which,  in  the  spring  of  the  next 
year  was  laid  before  the  senate.  That  body  advised  the  presi* 
dent  to  ratify  it,  on  condition  that  an  alteration  should  be  made 
in  one  of  Uie  articles.  Its  contents  havhig,  in  the  mean  time, 
been  disclosed,  the  republican  party  exclaimed,  in  intemperate 
language,  against  most  of  the  stipulations  it  contained.  The 
partisans  of  France  swelled  the  cry  of  condemnation.  Public 
meetings  were  held  In  various  parts  of  the  union,  at  which  reso- 
lutions were  passed  expressing  warm  disapprobation  of  the  treaty, 
and  an  earnest  wish  that  the  president  would  withhold  his  ratin- 
cation.  Such  appeared  to  be  the  wish  of  a  great  minority  of  tibe 
people. 

63.  General  Washington,  believhig  that  an  adjustment  of  dif- 
ferences would  conduce  to  the  prosperity  of  the  republic,  and 
tliat  the  treaty  before  him  was  the  best  that  could,  at  that  time, 
be  obtained,  gave  it  his  assent,  in  defiance  of  popular  clamor. 
So  great  was  the  confidence  reposed,  by  the  people,  in  their  be- 
loved chief-magistrate,  that  the  public  sentiment  began  imme- 
diately to  change.  The  friends  of  the  treaty  not  only  inoreued 
in  numbers,  but  gained  courage  to  speak  in  ita  defence.  And 
during  the  summer  of  1796,  the  nation  was  agitated  by  •  italous 
and  animated  discussion  of  i^s  merits. 

64.  At  the  next  session  of  congrsss,  It  beoaine  a  subject  of 
consideration  in  the  house  of  representetifes.    The  treaty,  its 


216 


WASHINGTON'S 


[1796. 


negotiator,  and  even  the  president,  were  virulently  ednsured,  and 
wannly  defended,  in  a  debate  wUch  has  seldom  been  equalled 
for  its  intemperance,  its  eloquence,  or  its  duration.  On  the  final 
question,  a  mftjority  of  three  voted  in  favor  of  the  appropriation 
necessary  to  cany  it  into  effect  The  subsequent  prosperity  of 
American  commerce  demonstrates  the  wisdom  of  the  pnesident's 
decision. 

65.  The  conduct  of  Spain  towards  the  United  States,  had  ever 
been  cold  and  unfriendly.  She  feared  lest  the  principles  of 
liberty,  and  the  desire  of  independence  should  find  their  way  into 
her  contiguous  American  provinces.  During  the  negotiations 
at  Paris,  which  resulted  in  peace,  she  secretfy  exerted  her  in- 
fluence to  cause  the  western  boundaries  of  the  new  republic, 
from  the  great  lakes  to  Florida,  to  be  fixed  two  or  three  hundred 
miles  east  of  the  Mississippi.  To  the  repeated  offers,  which 
were  afterwards  made,  to  form  with  her  a  commercial  ^aty, 
and  to  make  arrangements  respecting  the  mutual  navigation  of 
that  river,  she  pertinaciously  declined  to  accede. 

66.  When  tne  inhabitants  beyond  the  Alleghany  mountains 
liad  become  numerous,  she  denied  them  access  to  the  ocean  by 
the  medium  of  that  river,  the  mouth  of  which  was  within  her 
province  of  Louisiana.  She  intended,  perhaps,  to  show  them 
the  importance  of  that  privilege  by  withholding  it,  and  to  allure 
Ihem,  by  the  promise  of  restoring  it,  to  submit  to  her  authority. 
The  people  of  Kentucky,  hidignant  at  the  deprivation,  laid  their 
complaints  before  congress.  In  bold  and  forcible  language  they 
usserted  their  rights,  by  the  laws  of  God  and  of  nature,  to  the 
free  use  of  that  noble  river,  and  demanded  that,  at  any  cost,  the 
acknowledgment  of  that  right  should  be  obtained. 

67.  At  length  Spain  became  involved  in  a  war  with  France. 
Embarrassed  at  home,  and  Intimidated  by  the  unauthorized  pre- 
parations which,  under  the  auspices  of  Genet,  were  making  in 
Kentucky  to  invade  Louisiana,  she  intimated  her  readiness  to 
conclude  a  satisfactory  treaty,  should  a  minister  be  sent  to 
Madrid  for  that  purpose,  lliomas  Pinkney  was  accordingly 
appointed.  In  Octooer,  1795,  a  treaty  was  signed,  securing  to 
the  cithsens  of  the  United  States  the  firee  navi^tion  of  the  Mis- 
sissippi to  the  ocean,  and  the  privilege  of  landmg  and  depositing 
cargoes  at  New- Orleans. 

68.  Thus  were  adjusted  all  controversies  with  two  European 
powers,  which,  while  they  existed,  retarded  the  prosperity,  and 
disturbed  the  tranquillity  of  the  oouirtry;  and  from  which,  at 
different  periods,  even  war  was  seriously  iqiprehended.  In 
1796,  a  treaty  was  also  coaflhidcd  with  the  regency  of  Algiers, 
>vith  which  the  republic  WM  pfiflouily  at  war.    It  itlpulat«d 


[1796. 

iBured,  and 
»n  equalled 
)ii  the  final 
propiiation 
■osperity  of 
praaidmit's 

MB,  had  ever 
iaciplet  of 
)ir  way  hito 
lego^tions 
ted  her  in- 
w  republic, 
■ee  hundred 
ITerB,  which 
dal  treaty, 
YigaUon  of 

mountains 
B  ocean  by 
within  her 
show  them 
id  to  allure 
>  authority. 
1,  laid  their 
iguage  they 
ire,  to  the 
ly  cost,  the 

ith  France. 
|orized  pre- 
maklng  in 
ladiness  to 
le  sent  to 
icordingly 
lecuring  to 
If  the  Mis- 
depoiiting 

I  European 
Mrity.  and 
jwhico,  at 
Inded.  In 
V  Algiers, 
Btlpulattd 


1795.] 


ADMINliSTRATiON* 


217 


that  the  United  States,  in  conformity  with  the  practice  of  other 
nations,  should,  as  the  price  of  peace,  pay  an  uanual  tribate  to 
the  soveireign  of  that  country. 

69.  Within  the  last  two  or  threii  yon,  several  oliaii|pe6  took 
place  in tlie important  offiees  of  the  nation.  On  ^eSrst  day 
of  the  year  1794,  ]Mb\  JeflTerson  resigned  the  office  of  secretary 
of  state.  He  h^  perfonned  the  duties  of  that  office  with  ex- 
traordinary ability,  and  to  the  entire  satisfaotion  of  the  pre^nt. 
Having  been  mmister  to  Franee  at  the  commoicemect  of  tkie 
revolution  there,  he  became  acquainted  with  its  prime  movers, 
and,  anticipathig  from  their  exertions  the  diflfUsion  of  the  prin- 
ciples of  liberty  and  the  renovation  of  the  government,  wlui,  In 
the  eariy  st^«|es  of  its  progress,  Hs  enthusiastic  and  undisguised 
defender.  Of  the  rspubUoan  party,  he  was  considered  the  len- 
der, enjojringlheir  highest  confidence  and  warmest  attaidmieitt» 
He  was  succeeded  by  Edniund  Randolph,  of  Virginia.         -^.h 

60.  On  the  last  day  of  January,  1796,  Mr.  Hamilton  retired 
from  the  office  of  secretanr  of  the  treasury.  He  possessed  dis- 
tinguished talents,  and  had  exerted  those  talents  to  estabttrii  «r« 
der  where  all  was  conftislon,  and  to  ndse  from  the  lovrvit  m^ 
pression  the  credit  of  the  country.  His  complete  suecias  gireat- 
ly  exalted  his  reputation,  and  to  him  the  fediMlistik  ttVL  a  raiMiv 
ity  of  attachment  equalled  only  by  that  entertained  for  WaBhing<* 
ton.  With  him  he  had  served  in  the  revolutionary  war,  and 
had  then  aoquirSd  his  confident  and  aflection,  which  he  ever 
afterwards  retidned.  Being  the  advocate  of  an  energeCie  gov- 
ernment, and  averse  to  Intrusting  much  power  with  tM  prople, 
he  was  peculiarly  obnoidoua  to  ue  republican  party*  He  wns 
accused  of  partiality  to  England,  and  of  misconduct  In  office* 
After  the  closest  scrutiny,  nis  official  character  was  acknoi#<r 
ledfled,  by  his  enemies,  to  be  without  stain.  He  was  sucoeeded 
by  Oliver  Wolcott,  of  Connecticut. 

61.  At  the  close  of  the  year  1794,  general  Knox  resi|tnecl 
the  office  of  secretarv  of  war,  and  colonel  Pickering,  of  Has* 
Hsichusetts,  was  appointed  hi  his  place.  In  August  Mr.  Rtn- 
(lolph,  having  lost  Uie  confidence  of  the  president,  and  having  la 
ronsequence  retired  from  the  administration,  Mr.  Plokerlw 

appointed  his  successor  In  the  department  of  state»  mo 


was 


iFames  M'Henry,  of  Maryland,  was  made  secretary  of  wtr.  Kd 
republican  behiff  now  at  the  head  of  any  of  the  depMrtmente, 
tnany  of  ttie  leaders  of  that  party  withdrew  their  suj^poft  ftwrni 
the  administration  ;  and  licentious  indlvkJuals,  in  their  abuilve 
vittacks,  dared  to  charge  even  the  presMtnt  with  eomiptlon.  But 
the  confidence  of  the  people  In  Me  Megrlty  and  patriotism  ex* 
uerionced  not  the  slightest  abnteniinL 


218 


WASHINGTON'S 


[1796. 


■99.  The  conduct  of  France  towanUi  the  American  repuUie, 
contfanied  to  be  a  source  of  jnereasiog  trouble  and  vexation. 
Mr.  Fauchet,  the  succesBor  of  €^enet|  Imn«,  firmo  those  by  whom 
he  ivas  dqtuted,  the  strongest  assurances  of  friendship  r  hut  en- 
couniged  and  supported  by  a  numerous  party,  ardently  attaofaued 
to  his  naHon,  he;  gradually  assumed  towardfi  the  administration 
the  tone  of  remonstrance  and  rqproach.  He  charged  it  with 
eentfanents  of  hostility  to  Ihe  aDies  of  the  United  States,  with 
partiality  for  their  former  foes,  and  urged  the  adoption  of  a  coarse 
more  favorable  to  the  cause  of  liberty, 

68.  The  Amer!can_govemment  was  in  fact  desirous  of  ivd- 
filUnff  all  its  dnl^cd  to  l^ance,  and  of  concilii^ing  her  friendi^p. 
Mr.  Morris,  the  minister  to  Peris,  ha\ring  in9iirred  the  diq^lea- 
sore  of  those  in  power,  was  recalled  at  their  request,  and  his 
fdaee  supplied  by  Mr.  Monroe  of  Yiii^a.  This  gentleman 
was  a  republican,  and  had  embraced  with  ardor  the  dauae  of 
the  French  republic.  He  was  received  in  the  most  renpectful 
manner  by  the  convention,  who  decreed  that  the  flags  of  the  two 
rapubMes,  intwhied  together,  should  be  suspended  b  the  legisla- 
tii^B  haU,  as  a  marie  of  their  eternal  union  and  friendship. 

94,  Mr.  Adet  was  i^pointed  soon  after,  to  succeed  Mr. 
Fauchet.  He  brought  with  him  the  colors  of  France,  which 
he  was  faistruoted,  by  the  convention,  to  present  to  the  congress 
of  the  United  States.  They  were  received  by  the  president 
with  extraoidinary  ceremonies,  transmitted  to  congress,  and  af- 
terwards deposited  in  the  national  archives.  In  the  house  of 
representatives,  a  resolution  was  unanbnoualy  adopted,  expre^- 
aing  the  Ihrely  senaations  which  were  excited  by  this  testimony 
of  the  exhiting  sympathy  of  the  two  republics,  and  their  hope^ 
that  the  brilliant  and  glorious  victories  of  tiie  French  people, 
would  lead  to  tiie  perfect  establishment  of  thehr  liberty  and  hap- 
phiess. 

60.  But  France  required  of  the  United  States  more  than  pro« 
fessions  and  hopes,  ana  more  tiian  by  treaty  she  was  entitied  to 
claim.  She  wished  to  make  them  a  partv  in  the  war  ahe  was 
waging  with  the  despots  of  Europe.  FaiUns  hi  this,  and  jea- 
tous  of  the  more  intimate  relations  contracted  with  her  enemy, 
she  adopted  regulationa  highly  h\)urious  to  American  commerce, 
directing  h^r  erulaera  to  capture,  hi  certafai  cases,  the  vessels  of 
the  United  States.  In  oonsequenee  of  these  regulations,  se- 
veral hundreds,  loaded  with  valuable  cargoes,  were,  while  pro- 
neuting  a  lawftil  trade,  taken  and  the  whole  confiscated. 

66.  Believing  that  the  rights  of  the  nation  were  not  asserted 
ind  vhidleated  with  anffidtAt  aplrit  by  Mr.  Monroe,  the  preisi- 


fOk  repuUie, 
id  vexation, 
ise  by  whom 
btbpr  buten- 
^  attached 
iministration 
rged  it  with 
States,  with 
aof  acourse 

liroiis  of  &1- 
sr  friendidiip. 
Ithedisplea- 
aest,  and  his 
is  gentleman 
the<jattse  of 
Dst  respectful 
kgsoftnetwo 
nthelegisla- 
dship. 

succeed  Mi\ 
ranee,  which 
the  congress 
he  president 
press,  and  af- 
Uie  house  of 
pted,  express 
lis  testimony 
i  their  hope, 
ench  people, 
srty  and  hap- 

ore  than  pro« 
IS  entitled  to 
war  she  was 
his,  and  jea- 
her  enemy, 
nconmierce, 
he  vessels  of 
(idations,  se- 
B,  while  pro- 
sated. 

I  not  asserted 
)e,  th6  preni- 


il^e/j 


^n 


ADBONISTRATION. 


219 


dent  recalled  him,  and  Charies  C.  Finkney,  of  South  Caroline, 
was  iq^inted  in  his  stead.  In  the  summer  of  I796„  he  left  tfie 
Untied  Stetes,  iustracted  to  use  every  effort  compatible  with  na^ 
tional  honor,  to  restore  the  amicable  relations  which  had  once 
subristed  between  the  sister  republics. 

67.  General  Washington,  Iwving  at  the  sacrifice  of  his  own 
predilections,  devot<id  a  great  portion  of  his  life  to  his  country ; 
having  successfully  conducted  its  armies  through  an  ai^duous  con* 
flict  for  existence ;  and  having  since  directed  its  course  throu^ 
the  most  critical  period  of  an  experiment  under  a  free  constitu- 
tion, determined  to  retire  to  the  enjoyment  of  domestic  happiness 
and  rural  quiet.  In  September,  he  announced  this  determina- 
tion to  his  fellow  cttteens,  and  feelhig  for  Uiem  all  the  solici- 
tude of  a  father  for  his  children,  he  pubUshed  at  the  same  time 
a  farewell  address. 

,  68.  From  long  ^cnerience,  lie  had  acquired  an  intimate  ac- 
quaintance with  the  dangers  to  which  the  liberties  of  the  repub- 
lic were  exposed.  These  he  deprecated,  and  warned  his  coun- 
trvmen  to  shun,  with  all  the  impressive  energy  of  conviction,  and 
ail  the  ardor  of  parental  affection.  He  besought  them,  especial- 
ly, to  frown  indignantly,  upon  the  first  dawnhig  of  any  attempt 
at  a  separation  of  the  union ;  to  discard  local  attachments  and 
sectional  animosities ;  to  guard  against  the  excessive  indulgence 
of  the  spirit  of  party,  and  against  dberishhig  a  hatred  of  particu- 
lar nations,  and  an  affecUon  for  o^rs. 

69.  This  address  was  read  with  senUments  of  profound  vene- 
ration in  eveiy  part  of  the  union.  Some  of  the  state  legislaturee 
directed  it  to  be  inserted  at  large  in  their  journals,  and  most  of 
them  passed  resolutions  expressing  their  respect  for  the  author, 
thehr  hirii  sense  of  his  exalted  services,  and  the  emotfons  with 
which  Ihey  contemplated  his  retirement  from  office. 

70.  To  fill  the  station  from  which  the  father  of  his  country 
had  resolved  to  retire,  the  two  great  political  parties  brought  for- 
ward their  chiefs.  The  federalists,  desiring  that  the  system 
cf  measures  adopted  by  Washbgton  should  continue  to  be  pur- 
sued, and  dreading  the  influence  of  French  sentiments  and  prin- 
ciples, made  the  most  active  efforts  to  elect  John  Adams.  The 
republicans,  believing  their  opponents  less  fViendly  than  them- 
selves to  the  maxims  of  libertv,  and  too  much  devoted  to  the 
British  nation  and.  to  British  inatitutions,  made  equal  exertloni 
to  elect  Thomas  Jefferson. 

71.  The  result  was  the  choice  of  Mr.  Adams  to  be  president, 
and  Mr.  Jefferson  to  be  vice-president.  Released  firom  public 
cares,  WashUigton  hastened  to  Mount  Vernon.    Having  estab- 


230 


M>AUm 


liim. 


liflhedl  \&  fkn^  as  ifae  gi«ate&i  htx6  itnd  most  distinguialMd 
alttiimbm  of  Hie  age,  he  ther^,  devoting  hia  time  to  the  cukiva^ 
tion  of  an  eztemive  farm,  added  toUa  titlea  of  renown  tiiat  of 
the  most  induBtrious  and  intdligent  agriculturist  of  hia  country. 


!**»■' 


CHAPTER  XXV 


•<*'■-.>. 


MR.  ADAMS'S,  MR.  JEFFERSON'S,  AND 
PART  OF  MR.  MADISON'S  ADMINIS- 
TRATION.-DECLARATION  OF  WAS. 


"':/'' 


''vy  5.%>'  '.:■ 


MR.  ADAMS,  soon  after  the  commencement  of  his  presi- 
dential term,  received  tVom  Mr.  PInlcney  despatches  of  a  most 
disagreeable  and  alarming  nature.  The  Directory,  then  exer- 
cisii^  the  executive  authority  in  Fnooe,  had  refused  to  a«u«difc 
him,  deolarinff  thefar  determination  not  to  recdve  another  minis- 
ter from  the  United  States,  until  they  had  fully  complied  witfi 
the  demande  which  had  l>een  made.  He  was  moreover  ordered, 
by  a  written  mandate,  to  quit  the  territories  of  the  republic* 

2.  Congress  were  immediatdy  convened,  and  the  deroatches 
laid  before  them.  Their  proceedings  indicated  a  love  or  peace, 
but  also  a  firm  determination  to  yield  to  no  unjust  demand. 
Laws  were  passed  authorizing  the  president,  whenever  he  should 
(ieem  it  necessaiy,  to  detach  eighty  thousand  men  from  the  mili- 
tia of  the  United  States,  providing  for  an  increase  of  the  navy, 
and  for  augmenting  the  revenue  of  the  nation.  To  display  to 
France,  and  to  the  world,  his  desire  of  peace,  and  to  leave  no 
means  unattempted  to  preserve  it,  the  president  resolved  to  in- 
stitute another  and  more  solemn  mission.  General  Pinkney, 
John  Marshall,  and  Elbridve  Gerry,  were  accordingly  apnointed 
envoys  to  the  French  republic,  and  were  instructed,  as  tne  first 
had  before  been,  to  seek  a  reconciliation  as  the  representatives 
of  a  people  dreadhug  war  much,  but  the  sacrifice  of  tionor  more. 

8.  These  also  the  directory  reAised  to  leoeive.  They  were, 
however,  addressed  bv  persons  verbally  instructed,  by  Tallev- 
rand,  the  minister  of  foreign  relations,  to  nudce  them  propMMs. 
In  explicit  terms,  these  unclficial  agents  demanded  a  large  sum 


istingiiisbed 

ownUuAof 
■  country. 


1801.] 


ADMINISTRATION 


sm 


'■■■^'■^ 


'S,AND 
^MINIS' 


>f  his  pred- 
)8  of  a  most 
,  then  exer- 
I  to  accredit 
other  minis- 
mplied  with 
vet  ordered, 
^public* 
3  den>Btches 
ve  of  peace, 
ist  demand, 
er  he  should 
[>m  the  mili- 
>f  the  navy, 
'o  display  to 
to  leave  no 
lolved  to  in* 
dl  Pinkiiey, 
ly  apDointed 
,  as  tne  first 
^resentativeti 
lonor  more. 
They  were, 
,  by  Talley- 


np 
a  II 


roposalB. 
arge  sum 


of  money  before  any  negotiation  could  be  opened.  To  this  insult- 
ing demand,  a  decided  negative  was  given.  A  compliance  was 
nevertheless  repeatedly  uned,  until  at  length  the  envoys  refused 
to  hold  with  tiiem  any  further  communication,  iiter  remaining 
several  months  at  Paris,  pressing  in  vain  to  be  received  and 
heerd^  two,  who  were  federalists,  were  ordered  to  leave  France, 
but  Mr.  Genyt,  who  was  a  r^ublican,  was  permitted  to  remain, 
and  was  invited  singly  to  enter  into  discussions  relating  to  the 
commencement  of  a  negotiation. 

4.  When  these  events  were  known  in  the  United  States,  they 
excited  general  indignation.  The  spirit  of  parhr  appeared  to  be 
extinct.  "Millions  for  defence,  not  a  cent  for  tribute/'  re- 
sounded from  every  quarter  of  the  union.  The  treaty  of  alliance 
with  France  was  declared  by  congress  to  be  ho  longer  in  force. 
Authority  was  given  for  caplturing  armed  French  vessels. 
Provision  was  made  for  raising  immediately  a  small  regular 
army;  and,  in  case  events  should  render  it  expedient,  for 
augmenthigit.  Adirecttaxandadditionalintemal  duties  were  laid. 

5.  To  command  the  armies  of  the  United  States,  president 
Adams,  with  the  unanimous  advice  of, the  Senate  appointed 
Oeoi^  Washington.  He  consented,  but  with  great  reluctance, 
to  accept  the  office,  declaring,  however,  thathe  cordially  ap- 
proved the  measures  of  the  government 

6.  No  opportunity  was  presented  of  testing  the  courage  and 
skill  of  the  American  troops.  At  sea,  a  desperate  action  was 
fought  between  the  frigate  Constellation,  of  38  guns,  commanded 
by  commodore  Truxton,  and  the  French  frigate  L'lnsui^gente, 
of  40  guns.  The  latter,  although  of  superior  force,  was  captured. 
TiMsame  hitrepid  officer,  in  a  subsequent  actiou,  eoncm||jed 
another  French  frigate  of  60  guns,  to  stiike  her  colort,  6i>l«io 
afterwards  escaped  in  the  night. 

•'  7.  The  United  States,  in  arms  at  home  and  victorious  on  the 
ocean,  commanded  the  respect  of  their  enemy.  The  directory 
made  overtures  of  peace.  The  president  immediately  appohited 
ministers,  who,  on  their  arrival  at  Paris,  found  the  executive 
authority  in  tho  possession  of  Bonaparte  as  first  consul.  They 
were  promptiy  accredited,  and  in  September,  1800,  a  treaty  was 
oonctuded  satisfactory  to  both  countries. 

6.  While  this  negotiation  was  in  progress,  the  whole  Ameri- 
can people  were  overshadowed  with  gloom,  Inr  the  sudden  death 
of  the  Father  of  his  country.  On  tiie  14tii  of  December,  1709, 
after  an  iHness  of  onO  day  only,  general  Washington  expired. 
Intelligence  of  this  event,  as  it  rapidly  spread,  produced  sponta- 
neous, deep,  and  unaifeetad  grief,  suspenaing  every  other  tiiougfat;, 
and  absorbiiig  every  diflferent  feeUng. 


322 


ADABIS'S 


[1799. 


9.  Congrtes,  th^  in  seeeion  at  Philadelphia,  imnwdiately  ad- 
journed. On  asiemUing  the  next  dajf  the  house  of  representa- 
tifes  resolved,  "  that  the  speaker's  chak  should  be  durouded  in 
hhkckf  and  the  members  wear  black  durhig  the  session;  suod  that 
a  joint  committee  ^oidd  be  appointed  to  devise  the  most  suitable 
manner  of  pa3riBg  honor  to  the  memory  of  the  MAN  first  in  war, 
first  in  peace,  and  first  hi  Uie  hearts  of  his  countrymen." 

10.  The  senate,  en  this  melaneholy  occasion,  addressed  a 
letter  of  condolence  to  the  president  of  the  United  States. 
"  Thb  event,"  they  olwserve,  **8o  distiessing  to  all  our  fellow 
citizens,  must  be  {nurtieulaurly  heavy  to  you,  who  have  long  been 
associated  with  him  in  deeds  of  patriotism^ .  Permit  us,  sir,  to 
min^  our  tears  with  yours.  On  this  occasion  it  is  manly  to 
weep.  To  lose  such  a  man,  at  such  a  crisis,  is  no  common 
calamity^  to  the  world.  Our  country  mourns  a  father.  The 
Almighty  Disposer  of  human  events  has  taken  from  ub  our 
greatest  benefactor  and  ornament  It  becomes  us  to  submit 
with  reverence  to  HIM  who  maketh  darkness  his  pavilion. 

11.  *<  With  patriotic  pride  we  review  the  life  of  our  WASH- 
INGTON, and  compare  him  with  those  of  other  countries  who 
have  been  pre-eminent  in  fame.  Ancient  and  modem  names 
are  diminished  before  him.  Greatness  and  guilt  have  too  often 
been  allied ;  but  his  fiime  is  whiter  than  it  is  baiUiant.  The 
destroyers  of  nations  stood  abashed  at  the  maje^-.y  of  his  virtues. 
It  reproved  the  intemperance  of  their  ambition,  and  darkened 
<^e  splendor  of  victory. 

12.  "  Such  was  the  man  whom  we  deplore.  Thanks  to  God, 
his  glory  is  consummated.  Washington  yet  lives  on  earth  in  his 
spo^ess  example — ^his  spirit  is  in  heaven.  Let  his  countrymen 
9on8ecrate  the  memory  of  the  heroic  general,  the  patriotic  states* 
man,  and  tho  virtuous  sage :  let  them  teach  their  children  never 
to  forset  that  the  fruits  of  his  labors,  and  of  his  example,  are 
their  tnhMHattce^** 

^  13.  Agree9|)ily  ta  the  report  of  the  committee,  and  the  unani- 
mous resolves  of  oongpress,  a  funeral  procession  moved  from  the 
legislative  hall  to  the  German  Lutheran  Church,  where  an  ora- 
tion was  delivered  by  general  Lee,  a  representative  from  Virginia. 
The  procession  was  grand  and  solemn^  the  oration  impromive 
and  doquentv  Throughout  the  union  similar  marks  of  affliction 
were  exnibited.  A  whde  bereaved  peo{;le  appeared  hi  mourning. 
In  every  part  of  the  republic,  fimeral  braUons  were  delivei«a, 
and  the  best  talents  of  the  nation  were  devoted  to  an  expression 
uf  Uie  nation's  grief. 

14.  In  pursuance  of  the  law  enacted  hi  1T90,  a  place  had  been 
KQlectf  d  on  th^  Potomac,  a  few  miles  above  MouoJ^Yemon,  for 


[1799. 

ediately  ad- 
representa- 
BAiroudeidin 
m;  and  that 
uMt  suitable 
fintinnrar, 
8n." 

iddressed  a 
ted  States, 
our  fellow 
e  long  been 
I:  us,  sir,  to 
UB  manly  to 
10  common 
ther.  The 
am  uft  our 
I  to  submit 
kvilion. 
ar  WASH- 
nntries  who 
lem  names 
[e  too  often 
lant.  The 
his  virtues. 
1  darkened 

ikstoGod, 
earth  in  his 
ountrymen 
otic  states- 
clren  never 
imple,  are 

the  unani- 
i  from  the 
re  anora- 
1  Virginia. 
mpresHrive 
f  affliction 
nouminff. 
deliverad, 
spression 

had  been 
»raon)  for 


180U] 


ADMINISTRATION. 


^4P^^ 


the  permanent  seat  of  the  national  government.  Within  a 
district  ten  miles  square,  which  was  caltod  the  District  of  Co- 
lumbia, a  eity  was  lud  out,  to  which  the  name  of  Washington 
was  approprktely  given.  PuUic  buildings  haWng  been  erected, 
the  officers  of  government  removed  to  that  place  in  1800,  and  in 
November  of  that  year,  dongress,  for  the  mst  time,  there  com- 
^menced  its  session. 

15.  At  tliis  period,  a  presidendal  election  agsdn  recurred. 
From  the  time  of  tlie  adoption  of  the  constitution,  the  republican 
party  had  been  gradually  increasing  in  number?.  The  two 
parties  being  now  nearly  equal,  the  prospect  of  success  in^ired 
both  with  uncommon  ardor.  The  federalists  supported  Mr. 
Adams  and  general  Pinkney ;  the  republicans,  Mr.  Jefferson  and 
colonel  Burr.  The  two  latter  received  a  small  majority  of  the 
electoral  votes ;  and  as  they  received  also  an  equal  number,  the 
selection  of  one  of  them  to  be  president  devolved  upon  the  house 
of  representatives.  After  thir^-five  trials,  during  which  the  na- 
tion felt  intense  solicitude,  Mr.  Jefferson  was  chosen.  Colonel 
Burr  received  the  votes  of  the  federalists,  and  lost,  in  consequence, 
the  confidence  of  liis  former  friends.  By  the  provisions  of  the 
constitution,  he  became,  of  course,  vice-president. 

16.  The  causes  which  rendered  Mr.  Adams  unpopular  and 
led  to  a  change  in  the  administration  were,  his  apparent  coldness 
towards  the  French  revolution ;  the  charge  that  the  federalists 
generally  were  partial  to  Great  Britain ;.  Uie  expendiCure  of  mo- 
ney for  building  a  navy  and  for  other  purposes  sdleged  to  be  im- 
politic or  usdless ;  the  enactment  of  the  tdien  law,  by  which  the 
president  was  authorised  to  compel  suspected  foreigners  to  leave 
the  country,  and  of  the  sedition  law  which  provided  that  the 
authors  and  publishers  of  false  and  malicious  accusations  agsdnst 
the  president  and  members  of  congress  should  be  prosecuted  and 

Sunished.  But  more  effectual  than  these  was  the  charge  that 
Ir.  Adams,  and  the  party  which  supported  him,  entertained 
political  opinions  less  favorable  to  liberty  than  those  of  the  party 
which  opposed  him. — By  deserting  a  man  so  distinguished  as 
Mr.  Adams  for  his  talents,  for  his  experience  in  political  affaU^, 
and  for  the  important  services  which  he  had  rendered  to  his  coun- 
try in  the  revolutionary  stniggle,  the  people  shewed  how  jealous 
they  were  of  the  liberty  they  had  obtained,  and  how  firmly  they 
were  determined  to  guard  it  from  even  possible  danger. 

17.  The  control  of  the  government  being  now  transferred  to 
the  republican  pai'ty,  they,  at  tlie  next  session  of  congress,  re- 
pealed, after  a  long  and  eloquent  debate,  a  law  altering  the  judi- 
cial system,  which  had  been  passed  at  the  close  of  Mr.  Adamses 
administration.    This  repeal  annihilated  the  offices  of  sixteen 


2n 


.TEFFERSON'S 


[1802. 


judges,  who  had  just  been  mpohited.    At  the  same  session,  the 
internal  duties  were  also  abolished. 

18.  A  second  census  of  the  people,  refenii^  to  ISOO,  was 
completed  in  1801.  They  amounted  to  6,819,762,  having  in 
ten  years  increased  neariy  one  million  four  hundred  thousand. 
In  the  same  number  of  years  the  exports  increased  from  nineteen 
to  ninety-four  millions,  and  the  revenue  from  4,771,000  to. 
12,945,000  dollars !  This  rapid  advance  hi  the  career  of  pros- 
perity has  no  parallel  in  the  Ustory  of  nations,  and  is  to  be  attri- 
buted principuly  to  the  institutions  of  the  country,  which,  se- 
curing equal  privileges  to  all,  i^ye  to  the  enterprise  and  industry 
of  all,  free  scope  and  ftill  encouragement. 

19.  In  1802,  the  state  of  Ohio  was  admitted  hito  the  union. 
It  was  formerly  a  portion  of  the  Northwestern  Territory,  for 
the  government  of  wliich,  in  1787,  an  ordinance  was  passed,  by 
the  continental  congress.  Widi  commendable  foresight  they 
provided  that  slavery,  the  source  of  weakness,  of  pover^,  and  of 
crime,  should  never  exist  in  that  extensive  and  fertile  re^n. 
Tills  is  doubtless  one  of  the  causes  of  the  unparalleled  rapidity  of 
its  population.  In  thirty  years  from  its  first  settlement,  the 
number  of  its  inhabitants  exceeded  half  a  million.  The  state  of 
Tennessee,  wliich  was  previously  a  part  ofNorth  Carolina,  and 
Hes  between  that  state  and  the  river  Mississippi,  was  admitted 
in  1796. 

20.  The  right  of  depcsite  at  New-Orleans,  conceded  to  the 
citizens  of  the  United  States  by  Spsdn,  and  necessary  to  the 
people  of  the  western  countnr,  had,  until  this  period,  been,  freely 
enjoyed.  In  October,  the  chief  officer  of  that  city,  prohibited 
the  exercise  of  it  in  future.  This  violation  of  a  solemn  engage- 
ment produced,  tliroughout  the  states  of  Ohio  and  Kentucky, 
indignant  clamor  and  violent  commotion.  In  congress,  a  propo- 
sition was  made  to  take  possession,  by  force,  of  the  whole 
province  of  Louisiana,  and  tne  injured  people  of  the  west  were 
eager  for  permission  to  avenge  theh'  wrongs,  and  to  regain  theii* 
ri{^ts,  by  the  sword. 

21.  A  more  pacific  course  was  adopted.  Knowing  that  tlie 
province  had  been  ceded,  although  not  transferred,  to  France, 
the  president  instituted  a  negotiation  to  acquire  it  by  purchase. 
In  April,  1803,  a  treaty  vna  concluded,  conveying  it  to  the 
United  States  for  fifteen  millions  of  dollars. 

22.  The  territoiy  thus  added  to  the  national  domain,  was  first 
discovered  by  the  French,  who,  in  1699,  began  a  settlement 
within  its  limits.  It  continued  a  colony  of  that  nation  until 
1762,  when  it  was  ceded  to  Spahi.  In  her  possession  it  re- 
tnained,  slowly  increasing  in  population^  unitU  October)  ISOO, 


[1802. 

ession,  the 

ISOO)  was 
having  in 
thousand, 
m  nineteen 
71,000  to» 
r  of  pros- 
to  beattri- 
whicb,  se- 
tid  industry 

the  union, 
ritory,  for 
paasedy  by 
isight  they 
ttyy  and  of 
lie  re^n. 
rapidity  of 
ment,  the 
hie  state  of 
rolina,  and 
I  achnitted 

led  to  the 
iary  to  the 
>een  freely 
prohibited 
in  engaffe- 
Kentucky, 
)>  a  propo- 
the  whole 
west  were 
}gain  theii' 

fl^  that  tlie 

o  France, 

purchase. 

it  to  the 

1,  was  first 
settlement 
ition  until 
lion  it  re- 
)er,  1900, 


1804.] 


ADMINISTEATtON. 


S26 


when  it  Was  retioceded  to  Fnlnce,  and  by  her  was  ail^rwanls, 
as  has  been  related,  transferred  to  the  United  States.  The  in- 
habitants^ a  mixture  of  French  and  Sparairds,  were  not  numer- 
ous. Its  boundaries  have  never  tieen  dA&nd.  They  endince^ 
at  a  moderate  estimatioB,  a  tenitanry  niove  extenidve  tiisB  scone 
of  the  most  powerful  European  kLagdoms^  and  in  many  parts 
the  soil  is  exceedingly  fertile.  Its  acciuisition  was  considered, 
by  the  United  States,  of  thegreatest  fanp<»tance,  as  it  gave  them 
the  entire  control  of  a  river^  which  is  one  of  tte  noblest  in  the 
world.  ^ 

23.  Since  the  year  1801,  war  had  existed  between  the  United 
States  and  Tripoli,  one  of  the  states  of  Barbury,  situated  on  the 
coast  of  ttle  Mediterranean.  No  memorable  event  occurred  un- 
til 1808,  when  a  lai^  squadron,  under  ttw  command  of  com- 
modore Preble,  was  despatched  into  that  sea.  On  arriving  be- 
fore Tripoli,  captain  Bainbridge,  in  the  frigate  Phfladelphia,  of 
44  guns,  was  sent  mto  the  hiuHbor  to  reconnoitre.  IWie  in 
eager  pursuit  of  a  small  vessel,  he  unfortunately  advanced  so  far 
that  the  frigate  grounded,  and  all  attempts  to  remove  her  were 
in  vidn.  The  sea  around  her  was  immediately  covered  with 
Tripoiitan  gun^raats,  and  captain  Bainbridge  was  compelled  to 
surrender.  The  officers  were  considered  as  prisoners  of  war; 
but  the  creW)  aceonUng  to  the  custom  of  Barbaiy,  were  treated 
asdlaves. 

24.  At  the  capture  of  this  frigate,  the  enemy  rejoiced  an<t 
exulted  beyond  measure.  Lieutenant  Stephen  Decatur  con- 
ceived the  design  of  retidcing  or  destroying  her.  Commodore 
Preble,  applauding  the  spirit  of  the  youthful  hero,  granted  him 
permission  to  make  the  attempt.  In  February,  1804,  he  sailed 
from  Syracuse,  in  a  small  schooner,  having  6n  board  but  seven- 
ty-six men,  entered  undiscovered  the  harbor  of  Tripoli,  and  ad- 
vancing boldly  took  a  station  alongside  ttie  frigate.  Perceiving 
the  crew  in  consternation,  Decatur  sprang  on  board,  his  men 
followed,  and  with  drawn  swords  rushed  upon  the  enemy.  The 
decks  were  soon  cleared,  some  being  killed,  and  others  driven 
into  the  sea. 

25.  A  heavy  cannonade  upon  the  frigate,  from  the  batteries 
on  shore  and  the  corsahis  near,  was  now  commenced,  and 
several  vessels  of  war  were  seen  approachinff.  She  was  set  on 
^re  and  abandoned,  none  of  the  party  behig  killed  and  but  fom' 
wounded.  Throughout  all  the  phratical  states,  this  brilliant  ex- 
ploit exalted  the  reputation  of  the  American  arms.  The  presi- 
dent, in  reward  of  his  address  and  bravery,  promoted  lieutenant 
Decatur  to  the  rank  of  post-captain  in  the  navy. 

26.  While  the  squadron  remained  Won  Tripoli,  other  deeds 


^6 


JEFFERSON'S 


[1609. 


of  heroism  were  performed,  evincing  a  love  of  fame  and  a  devo- 
tion to  oountiy  unstti|iaiMd  in  Grecian  or  Roman  stonr.  The 
events  and  operations  of  this  war  shed  a  lustre  upon  tlie  Ame« 
rioan  name,  gave  eicpefleiiee  and  eliaracter  to  the  officers,  and 
prepared  Uiem  to  aeqidra  greater  glory  in  a  contest  with  a  i|obler 
foe.  ThBj  were  equalled  however,  by  an  enterprise  on  land, 
bold  and  romantic  in  Its  conception,  and  exhibiting,  in  its  execu- 
tion^ uncommon  address  and  cwcision  of  character. 

27«  William  Eaton,  who  had  been  a  captain  in  the  American 
army,  was,  at  the  commencement  of  this  war,  consul  at  Tunis. 
He  there  became  ecquahited  with  Hamet  Garamanly,  whom  a 
younger  brother  had  ecnduded  from  tiie  throne  of  TripmL  With 
him  he  concerted  an  expedition  against  the  reigning  sovvraigB, 
and  returned  to  ^e  United  States  to  obtahi  permission  and  we 
means  to  undertake  it  Permission  was  grsuated,  the  co^qpera" 
tion-of  tiie  squadron  recommended,  and  such  pecuniary  assist- 
vaeh  as  could  be  iqpared  was  alforded. 

S8.  To  raise  an  anny  in  Egypt,  and  lead  it  to  attack  the 
usurper  hi  his  dominions,  was  the  pifoject  which  had  been  con- 
certed. In  the  beghming  of  1805,  Eaton  met  Hamet  at  Alex- 
andria,  and  vras  appointed  general  of  his  forces.  On  the  6th 
of  March,  at  the  houi  of  a  respectable  body  of  mounted  Arabs, 
and  about  seventy  Christians,  he  set  out  for  Tripoli.  His  route 
lay  across  a  desert  one  thousand  miles  hi  extent.  On  his  march, 
he  encountered  peril,  iiuigue,  and  suffering,  the  description  of 
which  would  resemble  the  exaggerations  of  romance.  On  the 
25th  of  April,  having  been  fifty  days  on  the  march,  he  arrived 
before  Derne,  a  Tripolitan  city  on  the  Mediterranean,  and  found 
in  the  harbor  a  part  of  the  American  squadron,  destined  to  as- 
sist him.  He  learnt  also  that  the  usurper,  having  received  no- 
tice of  his  approach,  had  raised  a  considerable  army  and  was 
then  within  a  day's  march  of  the  city. 

20.  No  time  was  therefore  to  be  lost.  The  next  morning 
he  summoned  the  governor  to  surrender,  who  returned  for  an- 
swer, '*  My  head  or  yours.''  The  city  was  assaulted,  and  after 
a  contest  of  two  hours  and  a  half,  possession  gahied.  Tho 
Christians  suffered  severely  and  the  general  was  slightly 
wounded.  Great  exertions  were  immediately  made  to  fortify 
the  oity.  On  the  6th  of  May,  it  wai  attacked  by  the  Tripolitan 
army.  Although  ten  times  more  numerous  than  Eaton's  band, 
the  assailants,  after  persisting  four  hours  in  the  attempt,  were 
compelled  to  rethre.  On  the  10th  of  June  another  battle  was 
fought,  in  which  the  enemy  were  deilsated.  The  next  day  the 
American  iHnto  Constitutton  arrived  In  the  harbor,  which  su 
terrified  the  Tripolitans  that  they  fled  precipitately  to  the  deseil. 


[1800. 

lod  adev(v> 
onr.  The 
i  me  Aine« 
fficenyand 
th  a  nobler 
»  on  land, 
litsexecu- 

American 
I  at  Tunis. 

oU.  With 
MwvraisBy 
m  and  the 
oo*opera- 
iaiyaiBiat' 

attack  the 
been  con- 
)t  at  Alex- 
>n  the  6th 
tadAiabf, 
Hisroate 
liemarehy 
ription  of 
On  the 
leanrived 
uid  found 
led  toai- 
eived  no- 
and  t^a« 

morning 
li  for  an- 
and  after 
id.  Tho 
rfightlv 
0  fortify 
'ripoliUu 
Q'l  band, 
ipC|  were 
iltle  wBfl 
t  day  tht) 
vrliich  8u 
e  deseil. 


d06.j 


ADMINISTRATION. 


$ST 


30.  The  frigate  came,  however,  to  arrept  ^  operationa  of 
Eaton,  in  themidstofhisbriUiantandiucceMfttl  career.  Alanned 
at  his  progress^  the  reigning  hashaw  had  offned  tinns  of  Mace, 
which,  bring  much  mon^  ^Torabje  than.hB4  before  been  oftered, 
were  accepted  by  Mr.  Lear,  the  authorised  agent  of  the  govern- 
ment. Sixty  thousand  dollars  wire  gtvfo  ap  a  ransom  for  the 
unfortunate  American  prisoners,  and  an  engagement  was  made, 
to  withdraw  all  support  ftem  Hamet.  Tbe  ni^ion,  pioud  of  the 
exploits  of  EaloEi^^  regretted  thk  diplomatic  hiterierencei  but  the 
treaty  vras  laftiAsd  by  the  presMent  and  senate  ;  and  tfius  ended 
the  war  fai  the  Mediterranean. 

81.  Colonel  Burr,  having  lost  the  confidence  of  the  republi- 
can partjy  became,  hi  1804,  a  candidate  for  the  office  of  go- 
vernor or  ^fw«Toric :  the  federalists  oenerally  gave  hfan  their 
votes,  hut  Mr.  Hamilton,  considering  him  an  unprincipled  po- 
litican,  openly  opposed  his  election*  The  choice  fell  upon  the 
rival  candidate.  A  duel  ensued  between  these  distinguished  in- 
dividuab,  the  ehaUenae  proceeding  from  Burr.  Hamilton  was 
mortally  wounded*  Tms  event  produced  a  stronir  and  lively 
sensation  throughout  the  union.  At  the  next  presimntial  elec- 
tion, which  occonred  hi  the  same  year,  Mr*  JeBerton  was  elect- 
ed president,  and  CUorge  Clinton  of  New-Yoric,  vice-president, 
the  former  receiving  alfbut  fourteen  votes. 

82.  Burr,  notwimstandhig  his  brilliant  talents,  now  sunk,  for 
a  time,  into  merited  obscurity.  His  future  conduct  showed, 
however,  that,  while  unobserved  by  his  fellow  citlsens,  he  had 
not  been  idle.  In  tlie  autumn  of  1806,  his  movements  In  the 
western  country  attracted  the  notice  of  government  He  had 
purchased  and  was  buiidkig  boats  on  the  Ohio,  and  engaging 
men  to  descend  that  river.  His  declared  purpose  was  to  form  a 
setUement  on  the  banlcs  of  the  Washita,  in  Louisiana  ;  but  the 
character  of  the  man,  the  nature  of  his  preparations,  and  the  Ui- 
cautious  disclosures  of  his  associates,  led  to  the  suspicion  that  his 
true  object  was  either  to  gain  possession  of  New-Orieans,  and 
erect  into  a  separate  government  the  country  watered  by  the 
Mississippi  and  its  branches,  or  to  invade,  iVom  the  territovies  of 
the  United  States,  tiie  rich  Spanish  province  of  Mexico. 

88.  From  the  first  moment  of  suspicion,  he  was  closelv  watch- 
ed by  tiie  agents  of  the  government.  At  Natchex,  whiM  on  his 
way  to  New-Orleans,  he  was  cited  to  appear  before  tiie  supremo 
court  of  tiie  Mississippi  Territory.  But  he  had  so  enveloped 
his  projects  in  secrecy,  tiiat  sufficient  evidenoe  to  convict  him 
^ould  not  be  produced,  and  he  was  discharged.  Hearing,  how- 
ever, tiiat  several  persons,  suspected  of  beUig  hit  accomplices, 
had  bff n  arreHed  at  New-Orleans  and  elsewhere,  he  fied  In  dis. 


'^'^^FFSBSON'S 


[istyr. 


pdm  ftvm  Natcbes,  wm  apprehended  on  the  Tombigbee,  and 
conveyvd  m  pilioiier  to  RiDbmond.  Two  iadicliiieiita  were  found 
agaloitltfm^wieeliltfgiBg^hfanwith  treaion  agaimt  the  United 
States,  the  ttllier  WiA  preparing  and  oommeiieing  an  expedition 
agttihft  thadomlttione  «f  Spain. 

84.  In  Aoguat,  18dT^  he  wae  tried,  jupen  thoie  indictments, 
before  John  Manhal^  the  ehief  justice  of  the  United  States. 
Full  evMenee  of  his  guilt  not  being  exhibited,  h0  wae  acquitted 
by  the  jury.  The  people,  however,  beliOTed  hhn  guilty ;  and 
by  their  desertion  and  eontempc,  he  was  reduoed  to  a  condition 
of  the  most  abiect  wretchedness.  The  ease  with  which  his  plans 
were  defeated,  demonstrated  the  strength  of  the  govemment, 
and  his  fate  wOl  ever  been  impressive  warning  to  moee  who, hi 
a  ftee  countrjr,  listen  to  the  sugtestions  of  criminal  ambition, 

85.  The  wars  produced  by  the  FVench  kevoltition  continued 
to  rage  in  Europe.  The  sitten^pta,  made  by  ttie  neigUboring 
khiffs,  to  compel  republican  Firan^  to  resume  her  monarohicu 
institutions,  had  nv>t  only  been  resisted  and  defeated  bv  her  in- 
dignant citiifeens,  but  they  had  followed  home  the  repelled  inva- 
ders of  their  country,  and  had  subdued  those  who  b^nn  the 
war  with  the  hope  and  purp  ssc  of  subduing  France.  The  na- 
tion had  necessarily  become  a  nation  of  soldiers,  and  one,  more 
daring  and  fortunate  than  the  others,  had  been  placed  at  their 
head  as  chief  of  the  republic.  By  his  extraordinary  talents,  and 
the  vast  means  subiected  to  his  single  will,  he  acqulrsd  control 
over  most  of  the  European  kingdoms. 

86.  England,  however,  unsubdued  and  undaunted,  had  be- 
come as  pre-eminent  on  the  water  as  France  on  the  land.  Her 
powerful  navy  eni^lled  every  hostile  navy  flrom  the  ocean,  and 
rode  triumnhant  ui  every  sea.  America  profltted  from  the  de- 
struction or  tiie  ships  and  commerce  of  othei^  nations.  Being 
neutral,  her  vessels  carried  flrom  port  to  port  the  productions  of 
France  and  hdr  dependant  kingdoms ;  and  also  to  the  ports  of 
those  kint^doms  the  manuAMStures  of  Enriandk  Few  ships  were 
found  on  the  o^ean  except  those  of  the  United  States  and  Great 
Britahi.  * 

87.  The  latter,  haflng  ahvays  found  it  impoasible  to  man  her 
numerous  fleets,  by  volunUury  enlistments,  had  been  accttstome<l 
to  resort  to  bnpressment,  or  selling  by  force  her  subjecto  and 
compelling  them  to  serve,  as  sailors,  on  board  her  ships  of  war. 
Soon  after  the  peace  of  1788,  she  claimed  a  right  to  search  for 
and  eeiie  them,  even  on  board  of  neutral  vessMs  while  travers- 
ing the  ocean.  In  the  exercise  of  this  pretended  right,  eithtens 
oT  the  United  Stales,  sometimes  by  misteke  and  sometimes  by 
design,  nirere  sehed,  dragged  flrom  their  friends,  transported  to 


[180^. 

bigbee,  and 

war*  found 

tli»  United 

I  iBXpedition 

bdlctments, 
It0d  States. 
19  acquitted 
IttiKy;  and 
a  condition 
cliliw|iaii8 
Cvtrnment, 
0Mwbo,in 
imliltlon, 
k  Continued 
leigfabeitoff 
lonaroiilcu 
b?  her  in- 
»elied  inva- 
bMan  the 
The  na- 
one,  ntore 
!ed  at  then* 
alentei  and 
td  control 

had  be- 
and.  Her 
Boeani  and 
>m  the  de* 
•.  Being 
luotiona  of 
le  ports  of 
ihips  were 

and  Great 

* 

D  man  her 
soustomed 
gecta  and 
J«  of  war. 
learch  for 
^  trarem- 
t,  eitiienii 
dtimes  by 
(ported  to 


180T.] 


ADMINISTRATION. 


390 


distant  parts  of  the  world,  compelled  to  perform  the  degrading 
duty  of  British  ssdlors,  and  to  fight  with  nations  at  peace  wi£ 
their  own.  Against  this  outrage  upon  personal  liberty  and  the 
rights  of  American  citizens,  Washington,  Adams,  and  Jefferson 
had  remonstrated  in  vain.  The  abuse  continued,  and  every  year 
added  to  its  enormity,  until  a  feeling  of  resentment  was  aroused 
worthy  the  best  period  of  the  Roman  republic. 

38.  But  not  in  this  mode  only  were  tne  rights  of  the  United 
States  invaded  and  their  interest  sacrificed  on  the  ocean.  The 
carrying  trade  afibrded  a  harvest  too  rich,  and  too  tempting  to 
BritUih  cupidity,  to  be  long  ei\joyed  unmolested.  American 
ships,  carrying  to  Europe  the  produce  of  French  colonies,  were, 
in  an  early  stage  of  the  war,  captured  by  Britidi  cruisers,  and 
condemned  by  their  courts  as  lawful  prizes.  Several  European 
ports  under  the  control  of  France,  were  declared,  by  British  cr- 
dera  in  council,  dated  in  May,  1806,  to  be  in  a  state  of  blockade, 
although  not  invested  with  a  British  fleet,  and  American  vessels, 
attempting  to  enter  those  ports,  were  sJso  captured  and  con- 
demned. 

39.  France  and  her  allies  suffered,  as  well  as  the  United 
States,  from  these  transgressions  of  the  laws  of  nations.  Her 
vengeance  fell,  not  so  much  upon  the  belligerent  hiflicting  the 
injury,  as  upon  the  neutral  enduring  without  resenting  and  re- 
pelhng  it.  By  a  decree,  isuuad  at  Berlin  in  November,  1806, 
tlie  French  emperor  declared  the  British  Islands  in  a  state  of 
blockade,  and  of  course  authorized  the  capture  of  all  neutral 
vessels  attempting  to  trade  with  those  islands.  From  theae 
measures  of  both  natlonj,  the  commerce  of  the  United  Stttei 
severely  suffered,  and  tiieir  merchants  loudly  demanded  of  ttio 
government  redress  and  protection. 

40.  In  June  1807,  an  event  occurred,  which  for  a  time  con* 
centratcd  upon  one  of  the  rival  nations  the  whole  weight  of  po* 
inilar  indignation.  The  frigate  Chesapeake,  while  near  the  eoasts 
of  t*^o  United  Stetes,  and  unsuspicious  of  danger,  waa  fired  upon 
from  the  Leopard,  a  British  ship  of  suuerior  force,  three  of  tier 
nion  were  killed  and  eighteen  wounded.  Being  unprepared  for 
action,  she  struck  her  colors,  was  then  boarded  bv  a  deteclunent 
iVom  \ho  Leopard,  her  crew  mustered  and  four  of  them  forolb^ 
carried  off  upon  the  pretence  that  they  were  British  deeertorff. 
Tliie  truth,  upon  investigation,  was  ascertained  to  be,  that  thrt* 
(if  them  were  citizens  of  the  United  States,  had  been  impreiied 
by  die  British,  and  had  afterwards  escaped  (Vom  thefar  ■ervlee. 

41.  This  insolent  attack  upon  a  national  ship,-— this  wanton 
exercise  of  a  claim  deroffatoiV  to  national  honor, — aroused  tin 
spirit  of  the  republic.    The  distinctions  of  party  ward  forgot(«iiy 


280 


JEFFERSON'S 


[1808. 


1809. 


nnmerons  meetings  of  the  citizens  were  held,  and  all  concurred 
in  the  e3q»re88ion  of  a  determination  to  support  the  government 
of  Aeir  country  in  its  efforts  to  obtain^  whether  by  negotiation  or 
war,  aatlsftustion  for  this  insulting  outrage. 

42;  The  president,  by  proclamation,  proliibited  all  Briti^ 
sh^  of  war  from  continuing  in  or  entering  the  harbors  of  the 
Umted  States.  He  sent  instmcdons  to  the  minister  at  London 
to  demand  satisfaction  for  the  insult,  and  security  agtJnst  future 
a|^;resdon.  He  summoned  congress  to  meet  and  decide  whit 
Anther  measures  should  be  adopted.  The  British  ffovemment 
proniptly  disavowing  the  act  of  its  officer,  the  hostile  feelings 
wfaieh  had  been  excited  began  to  subside;  but  delayhig  to  render 
mtlsfactlon,  and  revising  to  adopt  adequate  measures  to  prevent 
m  tontliiiuuice  of  aggression,  they  were  not  extinguished  nor  ap- 
pealed. 

48.  Bonaparte  having  declared  his  purpose  of  enforcing 
with  rkor  the  Berlin  decree ;  the  British  government  liaviug 
solemn^  asserted  the  rig^t  of  search  and  impressment,  and 
having  intimated  tlieir  faitention  to  adopt  measures  In  retaliation 
of  the  French  decree,  tiie  president  recommended  to  congress 
that  the  seamen,  ships,  ana  merchandise  of  the  United  States 
should  be  detained  in  port  to  preserve  them  from  the  dangers 
Wbidi  threatened  them  on  the  ocean.  A  law  laying  an  in- 
deflfiUe  embargo  was  in  consequence  enacted.  A  nope  to 
eoiive  the  belligerent  powers  to  return  to  the  observance  of 
fhn  iim»  of  nationn,  by  depriving  them  of  the  benefits  derived 
ibn  the  trade  of  America,  was  doubUees  a  concurring  motive 
JdMrMuMinffthelaw. 

44.  A  few  days  only  had  elapsed,  when  information  was  re- 
ceived, that  Great  Britahi  had  prohibited  neutrals,  except  upon 
Ihe  degrading  condition  of  paying  a  tax  or  tribute  to  her,  from 
tradiing  with  France  or  her  allies,  comprising  nearly  every  mari- 
time nation  of  Europe.  Tide  was  folloxved,  in  a  few  weeks,  b^ 
a  det  ree  issuod  by  Bonaparte,  at  Milan,  declaring  that  everV 
tMUtral  vessel,  which  should  submit  to  be  visited  by  a  British 
ehip,  or  to  pay  the  tribute  demanded,  shoi  ^d  be  confiscated,  if 
afterwards  found  in  his  ports,  or  taken  by  liis  cruisers.  Thus, 
it  the  date  of  Uie  embai^,  were  orders  and  decrees  in  cxistencu 
rendering  liable  to  capture  almost  every  American  vessel  sailbg 
OD  the  ocean. 

46.  In  the  New-England  states,  the  embnrgo,  withholding  the 
merchant  from  a  career  in  whlcii  he  had  been  hlohly  prosperous, 
•ad  In  which  he  imagined  that  he  might  still  be  mvurod  of  for- 
tune, oceasioned  discontent  and  clamor.  The  federal  bt;^,  more 
numerous  there  than  in  any  other  part  of  the  union,  pronounced 


tl808. 

concurred 
:ovenuneiit 
j^oUation  or 

bU  British 
ors  of  the 
it  London 
Inst  future 
cide  whit 
Dvemment 
e  feelings 
:  to  render 
to  prevent 
id  nor  ap- 

enfprcing 
nt  liaving 
aent,  and 
wtaliation 

congress 
ed  States 
e dangers 
>g  an  in- 

nope  to 
Tance  of 
s  derived 
ig  motive 

i  was  re- 
ept  upon 
iier,  from 
cry  marl- 
reelcs,  b^ 
lat  every 
I  British 
scRted,  if 
Thus, 
ixistence 
el  sailing   - 

Iding  the 
wperouf, 
of  for- 
its,  more 
nounced 


1809.] 


ADMINISTRATION 


aai 


it  a  measure  unwise  and  oppressive.  These  representations, 
aiid  the  real  and  severe  distress  which  the  people  endured,  pro- 
duced  a  rapid  change  in  thehr  political  opinions.  In  a  snort 
time,  a  msgority  became  federalists,  and  opposed  with  zeal  all 
the  measures  of  the  government. 

46.  In  the  fall  of  1808,  a  new  election  of  chief-ma^strate  to^k 
place.  Mr.  Jefferson,  believing  that  no  person  shomd  Hold  tbit 
office  more  than  eight  years,  and  desurous  of  confirming  the  e](- 
ample  of  Wadiington,  had  previously  announced  his  hitention 
to  retire  to  private  life.  James  Madison  VTas  elected  president 
and  George  Clinton  vice-president. 

47.  In  March,  1809,  congress  repealed  the  embargo*  and 
substituted  a  law  prohibithig  all  hitercourse  witb  France  and 
Great  Britain.  Bonaparte,  in  retaliation,  issued  a  decree,  at 
Rambouillet,  directing  that  all  American  vessels,  which  were 
then  in  the  ports  of  France  or  might  afterwards  enter,  iphould 
be  seized  and  confiscated. 

48.  In  the  nonintercourse  law,  a  provision  vras  InsiBrted,  thftt 
if  either  nation  should  revoke  her  hostile  edicts,  and  the  pre- 
sident should  announce  that  fact  by  proclamation,  then  the  law 
should  cease  to  be  hi  force  in  reffard  to  the  nittion  so  revoldof  • 
In  April,  Mr.  Erskhie,  the  British  minister  at  Waoblngton,  en^ 
ga^,  on  the  part  of  his  government,  that  the  orders  in  couBoil» 
80  far  as  they  affected  the  United  States,  should  be  withdrawn  on 
the  10th  of  June^  and  the  president  immediately  issued  the  pro* 
clamation  prcv.     bed  in  the  law. 

49.  This  arra.;g?ment  the  British  ministry  reAised  to  nlMy, 
declaring  that  Mr.  Erskine  had  no  authority  to  make  it  E*> 
calling  him,  they  appointed  Mr.  Jackson  his  successor,  in  m 
correspondence  between  this  gentleman  and  the  secretai7«f 
state,  tile  former  insinuated  that  the  American  government  InMHfi 
that  Mr.  ErsMne  was  not  authorised  to  make  the  arrangemfnt» 
and  knew  of  course  that  it  would  not  be  binding  on  Great  Bri- 
tain. This  insinuation  was  distinctly  denied  by  tbd  secretary» 
but  was  subsequently  repeated,  in  an  offensive  manner,  by  Mir. 
Jackson.  He  was  immediately  informed,  that,  on  account  of 
his  indecorous  condur  ^  no  other  communications  firom  him  #oakl 
be  received.  He  watt  shortly  eflerwards  recalled  by  hie  goram* 
ment.  v  \    ' 

00.  The  nonintercourse  law  expired  in  May,  1810,  wten  n 
proposition  was  made  equally  to  both  belligerents,  that  If  either 
would  revoke  its  hostile  edicto,  tliv*;  law  snould  be  revhred  and 
enforced  against  the  other.  In  August,  Bonaparte,  by  his  mi- 
nister of  state,  assured  Mr.  Armstrong,  the  American  anroy  td 
France,  that  tho  Berlin  and  Milan  decrees  were  reTotedi  tho 


232 


JEFFERSON'S 


[1811. 


revocation  to  take  effect  on  the  first  day  of  November  ensuing. 
Confiding  in  this  assurance,  the  president,  on  the  second  day  of 
November,  issued  his  proclams^on,  declaring  that  all  inter- 
course wkh  Great  Britadn  was  prohibited,  and  that  an  unreirtrain- 
ed  commerce  with  France  was  allowed. 

91.  Great  Britahi  having  expressed  a  willingness  to  repeal 
her  orders  whenever  France  should  repeal  her  decrees,  she  was 
now  called  upon,  by  the  American  envoy,  to  fulfil  her  engage* 
mtat.  She  oojected,  that  the  French  decrees  could  not  be  con- 
sidered as  repealed,  a  letter  from  the  minister  of  state  not  being, 
for  that  purpose,  a  document  of  sufficient  authority.  In  answer 
to  this  objection,  proof  was  presented  that  the  French  admiralt|r 
courts  coniEddereid  them  repealed,  and  that  no  American  vessel, 
although  many  had  entered  the  ports  of  France,  had  been  sub- 
jected to  their  provisions.  Great  Britain,  however,  still  persist- 
ed to  enforce  her  mrders. 

62.  For  this  purpose,  she  had  stationed  ships  of  war  before 
(jhe  principal  harbors  of  the  United  States.  All  American  mer- 
dhantmen,  departing  or  returning,  were  boarded,  searclied,  and 
many  of  tihem  sent  to  British  ports,  as  legal  prizes.  Impress- 
ments too  were  frequent,  and  the  British  officers,  mtertaining 
exalted  ideas  of  their  naval  atrensth,  and  holding  hi  contempt 
Ihe  republioan  flag,  exhibited,  on  m  occasions,  an  extreme  inso- 
lence of  behavior,  which  nations  as  weH  m  individuals  expose 
themselves  to  incur,  by  long  and  patient  endurance  of  hisult  and 
aggression. 

oB.  In  one  instance,  however,  their  insolence  was  deservedly 
punished.  Commodore  Rogers,  sailing  in  the  frigate  President, 
met,  in  Uie  evening,  a  vessel  on  the  coast  of  Y iroinia.  He  hail- 
ed, but  instead  of  receiving  an  answer,  was  hailed  in  turn,  and 
a  i^ot  was  fired  which  struclc  the  mainmast  of  the  President.. 
The  fire  was  instantiy  returned  by  the  commodore,  and  conti- 
nued for  a  few  mhiutes,  when,  finding  his  antagonist  was  of  in- 
ferior force  and  that  her  guns  were  ufmost  silenced,  he  desisted. 
On  hiJling  again,  an  answer  was  given,  that  the  ship  was  the 
British  sloop  of  war  Littie  Belt,  of  18  guns.  Thirty4wo  of 
her  men  were  killed  and  wounded,  and  the  ship  was  much  dis- 
abled. 

64.  Mr.  Foster,  successorto  Mr.  Jackson,  arrived  at  Washbg- 
ton  In  the  summer  of  181 1,  and  proposed  terms  of  reparation  for 
llie  attack  on  the  Chesapeak.  These  were,  a  formal  disavowal 
of  the  act,  restoration  to  the  frigate  of  the  surviving  sailors  taken 
firom  It,  a  pecuniary  provision  for  those  who  were  wounded,  and 
fbr  the  families  of  those  who  were  killed.  These  temui  were 
Moeptfd  by  the  president. 


1811.] 

55.  Bu 

govemme 
of  the  sul 
cU.  The 
with  rigoi 
France,  a 
cargoes,  a 
cruisers. 
States  sufi 
advantagei 
dred  Ame 

56.  Th 
Madison^ 
laid  before 
that  the  re 
force,  its 
sentatives 
pressed,  di 
president. 

57.  La 
gular  arm 
cstablishm 
vices  of  V( 
to  borrow 
manv  that 
would  reei 

68.  £v( 
8ion,  whi 
several  yei 
(ind  these 
hostility,  I 
thehr  profi 
small  fore 
tiate  if  po 
vember,  h 
he  was  m( 
made,  tha 
ing,  andti 

59.  Jui 
ongageme 
in  their  ei 
in  orders 
AdTMtdAi 
pulsed,  dl 
vf9M  enter 


1811.] 


ADMINISTRATION, 


98ft 


55.  But  the  Biitish  envoy  could  give  no  assurance  that  his 
government  was  disposed  to  make  a  satisfactory  arrangemeQt 
of  the  subject  of  impressmexrt,  or  to  repeal  the  orders  in  coun- 
cil. These  orders,  on  the  contrary,  conUnued  to  be  enforced 
with  rigor;  and  on  the  restoration  of  a  free  commerco  with 
France,  a  lai^  number  of  American  vessels,  laden  with  rich 
cargoes,  and  destined  to  her  pcnts,  fell  into  the  power  of  Br^ih 
cruisers;  Such  was  now  the  state  of  afiairs,  that  the  United 
States  suffered  the  evils  of  war,  while  Great  Britain  enjoyed  the 
advantages.  H^  cruisers,  suice  1803,  had  captured  nine  hui^ 
dred  American  vessels. 

56.  The  patience  of  the  nation  was  exhausted.  President 
Madison  early  in  November,  1811,  called  congress  t^fe^hw, 
laid^  before  them  the  state  of  foreign  relations,  and  recommended 
that  the  republic  should  be  placed  in  an  attitude  to  maintain,  by 
force,  its  wounded  honor  and  essential  interests.  The  repre- 
sentatives of  the  people,  whose  sentiments  and  feelings  they  ex- 
pressed, determined  *o  act  in  accordance  with  the  views  of  the 
president. 

57.  Laws  were  enacted  providing  for  the  increase  of  the  re- 
gular army  to  36,000  men  ;  for  the  augr  lentation  of  the  navd 
establishment  i  empowering  the  president  to  accept  of  the  ser- 
vices of  volunteers,  to  make  a  detachment  from  the  militia,  and 
to  borrow  eleven  millions  of  dollars.  It  was  the  expectation  oS 
many  that  Great  Britain,  witnessing  these  serious  preparations, 
would  recede  from  the  stand  she  had  taken. 

68.  Events,  however,  occurred,  while  congress  were  in  ses- 
sion, which  considerably  diminished  this  expectation.  For 
several  years,  the  Injian  tribes  residhig  near  ue  remote  lakes 
nnd  the.  sources  of  the  Mississippi,  hi  d  displayed  symptoms  of 
hostility,  murdering  a  number  of  whites  and  robbing  others  of 
thebr  property.  In  the  fall  of  1811,  general  Harrison,  wltn  a 
small  force,  was  sent  into  their  territories,  instructed  to  ne«}- 
tlate  if  possible,  but  to  fight  if  necessary.  On  the  6th  of  No- 
vember, he  arrived  at  Tippecanoe,  their  principal  town,  where 
he  was  met  by  Indian  messengers,  with  whom  an  agreement  wis 
made,  that  hostilities  should  not  take  place  before  the  next  mom* 
ing,  and  that  then  an  amicable  conference  should  be  held. 

59.  Just  before  daybreak,  the  sava^^es,  in  violation  of  their 
engagement,  made  a  sudden  and  furious  attack  upon  the  troops 
in  their  encampment.  Nothing  but  the  precaution  of  sleeolng 
In  order  of  battie,  on  their  arms,  saved  toem  from  total  defeat 
A  dreadAil  slaughter  was  made  t  but  the  savagts  were  finally  re- 
puhwd,  dlspersM,  and  their  town  lakl  waste.  A  strong  belief 
>vu  e&tertuiMd,  founded  upon  eredlbto  testimony,  that  they  had 

ua 


d34 


MADISOWS  ADMINiSTRATION.        [1818; 


been  incited  to  hostility  by  British  agents  stationed  among 
thtfkn. 

60.  In  February,  1812,  John  Henry,  who  had  once  resided 
in  Canada j  communicated  to  the  president  tlie  fkct,  that  in  1809, 
he  had  been  emptied  by  the  governor  of  that  province  iipop  a 
secret  mission  to  Bostou,  die  metropolis  of  the  Neu-England 
states;  and  that  he  was  instructed  to  confer  with  the  disaffected, 
upon  the  sujbject  of  a  separation  of  those  states  from  the  union, 
and  their  foiming  a  polical  coimexion  with  -Great  Britoin.  He 
exhibited  documents  in  support  of  his  disclosures,  which  he  was 
led  to  niaJce,  by  (he  neglect  of  his  employer  to  reward  him  for 
his  services.  It  did  not  appear  that  he  had  succeeded  in  cor- 
rupting the  fidelity  of  any  individual ;  but  the  attempt,  in  a  time 
of  peace,  and  in  die  midst  of  the  most  amicable  professions,  not 
only  preserved  m  full  force  but  increased  the  previous  irritaUon. 
f  61.  Cdngress  continued  to  be  employed  until  the  20th  of  May, 
&t  making  preparations  for  war,  still  cherishing  the  hope  that  a 
change  <^  poticy  in  Europe  would  render  unnecessary  an  ap- 
peal to  arms.  On  that  day,  the  Hornet  arrived  from  London, 
'  orin^ng  information  that  no  prospect  existed  of  a  favorable 
change.  On  the  first  of  June,  the  president  sent  a  message  to 
congress,  recounting  the  wrongs  received  from  Groat  Britain, 
and  subm'fting  the  question  whether  thd  United  States  should 
continue  to  endure  them  or  resort  to  war  ? 

62.  The  message  was  considered  with  closed  doors.  On  the 
18th,  an  act  was  passed  declaring  war  against  Great  Britain. 
The  meaorare  was  decidedly  condemned  by  a  considerable  por- 
tion of  die  citizens,  among  whom  wera  many  honest  and  able 
men.  Exercising  the  undoubted  privilege  of  freemen,  they 
examined,  with  the  severest  serutiny,  the  measures  and  motives 
of  the  administration.  They  asserted  that  the  war  ^vas  unne^^ 
cessary,  partial,  and  uKvise:  that  it  was  unnecessary,  because, 
in  dieir  opinion,  a  satisfactory  adjustment  of  all  disputes  miglit 
have  been  obtained  by  farther  negotiation:  that  it  was  partial, 
because  France  had  given  greater  provocation,  in  propoition  to 
her  means  of  annoyance,  than  Great  Britain :  that  it  was  un- 
iifise,  because  the  nation  was  not  prepared  for  war;  because,  by 
declaring  it  against  almost  the  only  remaining  enemy  ef  France, 
the  United  States  indirectly  but  powerfully  assisted  Bonaparte  in 
his  design  of  universal  connuest ;  and  because  the  expenses  and 
Buflerlngs  it  must  unavoidably  occasion,  would  mora  than  coun- 
terbnlance  all  the  advantages  sought  to  be  obtained.  And  many, 

1»ftssintf  the  limits  of  candid  and  temperate  discussion,  Indulged 
n  a  virulence  of  hivective  of  which  no  government  ihould  btt 
the  object  diat  l8  not  miuUfefltly  qoxTupt. 


ned  among 

nee  resided 
»t  hi  1809, 
ince  iipop  a 
w-£ngland 
di«affeeted, 
» the  union, 
Itain.    He 
lich  he  was 
ird  him  for 
led  in  eor- 
t,  in  a  time 
issions,  not 
I  irritation. 
thofMay, 
lOpe  that  a 
lanr  an  ap- 
1  London, 
favoi-able 
nessage  to 
at  Britain, 
ites  should 

.     On  the 
at  Britain, 
rable  por- 
t  and  able 
neh,  they 
id  motives 
ivas  unne*" 
» because, 
ites  miglit 
IS  partial, 
poition  to 
t  was  un- 
icause,  by 
r  France, 
laparte  in 
rases  and 
lan  coun- 
nd  many) 
Indulged 
ibouldb« 


CHAPTER  ^XVr, 


CAMPAIGN  OF  1812. 


'  THE  pcfople  of  the  United  States  remembered,  with  pride^ 
Uie  patriotism  and  bn^reiy  exhibited  by  their  army  in  the  revo- 
lutionary war.  A  long  period  of  peace  and  prosperity  had  in- 
creased thefar  confidence  in  their  own  strengUi;  and  the  belief 
was  generally  entertained,  that  victory  over  me  same  foe  would 
no  he  so  much  the  more  certsdnly  and  eaiedly  gsdned,  as  the  na- 
tion was  more  rich  and  populous.  They  did  not  reflect,  that 
peace  had  impaired  the  military  energies  of  the  republic,  while 
their  enemy,  by  constant  exercise  in  arms,  had  acquired,  not  only 
additional  strength,  but  gi'eater  skill  to  use  and  apply  it. 

2.  From  the  veteran  officers,  who  had  acquired  fame  in  the 
former  conflict,  a  selection  was  made  to  fill  the  prLcipal  posts  in 
the  new  army.  Henry  Dearborn,  of  Massachusetts,  was  ap- 
pointed major-general  ahd  commander-in-chief.  He  was  at  the 
battle  of  Bunker's  hill.  In  the  expedition  against  Quebec,  he 
served  as  a  captain  under  Arnold.  He  disthiguished  himself  on 
these  and  other  occasions ;  and  at  the  dose  of  the  war  bore  the 
commission  of  colonel.  He  held,  for  a  long  time,  the  office  of 
secretary  of  war,  and  discbnrared  its  duties  with  exemplary  in- 
dustry and  skill.  Thomas  Pinkney,  of  South  Carolina,  was  also 
appointed  major-general.  Among  the  brigadiers  were  Wilkinson, 
Hull,  Hampton,  and  Bloomfield. 

3.  At  the  time  of  the  declaration  of  war,  general  Hull  was 
also  governor  of  the  Michigan  territory,  uf  which  Detroit  is  the 
capital.  On  the  12th  of  July,  with  two  thousand  regulars  and 
volunteers,  he  crossed  the  river  dividing  the  United  States  flrom 
Canada.  On  the  same  day,  he  addressed  a  prodamatlon  to  the 
Canadians,  tendering  them  the  blesshig^  of  civil  and  religious 
liberty,  and  assuring  them,  in  a  hfHj  tone,  "  that  his  force  was 
sufficient  to  break  down  all  oppomtion,"  and  yet  was  but  the 
vanguard  of  one  much  greater.  It  iqppeared  to  be  his  purpose  to 
attack  Maiden,  and  thence  proceed  to  Montreal. 

4.  Had  the  attack  been  Instantly  made,  succesi  would  have 
been  highly  probable*  A  month  was  wasted  in  ruinous  delay. 
Distrust  and  contempt  expelled  confidence  and  attachment  from 
the  brewts  of  the  Canadians.  The  ardor  of  the  troops  began  to 
Qooli    MaklMi  was  reinforced  ;  and  it  thli  critical  mQUMott  ior 


V 


236 


MADISON'S 


[1812. 


1812.] 


formation  was  received  that  Mackinaw,  an  American  post  above 
Detroit,  had  surrendered  to  a  large  body  of  British  and  Indians, 
who  were  rushing  down  tile  river  in  numbers  sufficient  to  over- 
whelm the  American  forces.  Panic  struck,  general  Hull  has- 
tened back  to  Detroit 

5.  Greneral  Brock,  the  cammand«r  at  Maiden,  pursued  hun, 
with  a  force  superior  in  number,  but  composed  of  militia  and 
Indians.  On  tne  14th  of  August,  he  erected  batteries  opposite 
Detroit  The  next  day,  be  b^pan  a  cannonade  iqpon  the  Juneri- 
can  fortifications  which  was  returned  with  precinon  soul  effect 
On  the  16th,  the  enemy  crossed  the  river,  iuimg  post  about  diree 
miles  dbove  the  city.  Meeting  with  no  resistance,  and  hearing 
that  some  of  the  American  troops  were  absent  general  Brock 
resolved  to  march  cBrectfy  forward  and  assavdt  the  fort 

6.  The  troops,  cool  and  undaunted,  awsdted  in  good  (urd^  the 
approach  of  the  eneniy,  anticipating  an  easy  victory.  To  the 
astonishment  of  all,  general  HuU  forbade  the  artillery  to  fire, 
and  hung  out  a  wliite  flag  in  token  of  a  wish  to  capitulate.  A 
correspondence  between  the  two  generals  was  unmediately 
opened,  which  ended  hn  the  surrender  of  the  army  and  of  the 
territory  of  Midiigan. 

7.  It  is  impossible  to  describe  the  indignation  of  the  soldiers 
and  citizens,  when  they  saw  themselves  delivered,  by  the  autho- 
rity of  one  man,  into  tlw  power  of  an  enemy  whom  they  mipposed 
they  might  easil}  have  conquered.  Many  believed  him  eimer  a 
traitor  or  coward.    An  event  so  disgraceful,  occurring  in  a 

auarter  where  success  was  confidently  anticipated,  caused- 
irougliout  the  union  the  greatest  moitification  and  amazement. 
Stung  by  diiiqppointment,  all  united  in  censuring  generjd  Hull. 
His  greatest,  perhaps  his  only  fault,  was  want  of  decision  and 
energy. 

8.  The  people  of  Ohio  and  Kentaclcy  were  alarmed.  Nearly 
ten  thousand  dtizens  made  a  tender  of  their  services,  and  a  part 
of  them,  placed  under  the  command  of  general  William  H.  Har- 
rison, marched  toward  the  territory  of  Michigan.  But  great 
and  numerous  were  the  difficulties  encountered ;  the  volunteers 
were  unwilling  to  submit  to  the  wholesome  restraints  of  disci- 
pline; and  vrinter  arrived  before  any  important  undertaking 
could  be  accomplished.  Several  bicursions  were  made  into  the 
country  of  the  savages,  who,  instigated  by  British  agents,  and  by 
a  celebrated  ladlaB  prophet,  and  commanded  by  Tecumseh,  a 
gallknt  warrior,  had  beeome  abnost  univecaally  hostile. 

9.  For  the  purpose  of  Invading  Canada,  in  anether  qwurter, 
«n  army  of  regulars  and  militia  was  assembled  on  the  noitlUHni 
frontier  of  Nfw-Tork.    It  was  fiir  leu  nunaroiif  IhuttiM 


govemm 
the  po6r 
induced 
plausible 
ral  govei 
service 
and  that 
the  bouni 
held  thei] 
miidshed 
genieralj 

lU. 
ing  the  » 
troops, 
quarters 
opposite 
mUitia  di 
the  genei 
attempt " 
October, 


w 


rngi 


altiu 


The  colo 

tains  Ogi 

ed  posses 

rived,  fn 

dredmei 

driven  b 

them,  ge 

11.  G 

over,  noi 

sion.     1 

eagernes 

the  natic 

vain.     I 

forcer le 

desperat 

calm  sp* 

rious. 

few  effe 

12.  S 

vice  anc 

ginia.  I 

nounce( 

ardin< 

of  the  c 


1812.] 


ADMINISTRATION. 


237 


government  had  anticipated.  So  happy  was  the  condition  of  even 
the  poorest  class  of  American  citizens,  that  but  few  could  be 
induced  to  enlist  as  soldiers.  And  in  some  of  the  states  the 
plausible  doctrine  was  maintained,  that  the  officers  of  the  gene- 
ral government  have  no  power  over  the  milida,  until  called  into 
service  and  consigned  to  cheir  authority,  by  the  state  executive, 
and  that  even  then  they  cannot  be  compelled  to  march  beyond 
the  boundary  of  the  republic.  Several  governors  actually  with- 
held their  nuUtia,  when  called  for  by  the  president,  and  thus  di- 
minished the  amount  of  one  species  of  torce  upon  which  the 
generalgovernment  had  relied. 

10.  General  Van  Rensselaer,  of  the  New-York  militia,  be- 
ing the  senior  officer  on  that  frontier,  had  the  conunand  of  these 
troops,  which  were  called  the  army  of  the  centre.  His  head 
quarters  were  at  Lewistown,  on  the  river  Niagara,  and  on  the 
opposite  side  was  Queenstown,  a  fortified  British  post.  The 
militia  displaying  great  eagerness  to  be  led  against  the  enemy, 
the  general  determined  to  cross  over  to  Queenstown.  The  first 
attempt  ^^as  defeated  by  tempestuous  weather.  On  the  13th  of 
October,  a  party,  led  by  colonel  Van  Rensselaer,  effected  a  land- 
ing, although  opposed  by  a  British  force  stationed  on  the  hf vaik. 
The  colonel  wac  severely  wounded,  but  the  troops,  under  cap- 
tains Ogilvie  and  Wool^  advanced  to  storm  the  fort.  They  gain- 
ed possession,  but,  at  the  moment  of  success,  general  Brock  ar- 
rived, from  a  neighboring  post,  with  a  reinforcement  of  six  hun- 
dred men.  These,  although  the  most  numerous,  were  gaUantly 
driven  back  by  the  American  troops.  In  attempting  to  rally 
them,  general  Brock  was  killed. 

11.  General  Van  Rensselaer,  who  had  previously  crossed 
over,  now  returned  to  hasten  the  embarkation  of  the  rear  divi- 
sion. To  his  astonishment,  those  who  had  lately  shown  such 
eagerness  to  meet  the  enemy,  now  utterly  refused  to  pass  beyond 
the  national  boundary.  He  entreated  and  remonstrated,  but  in 
vain.  Meanwhile  the  enemy,  having  received  another  rein- 
forcenent,  advanced  to  attack  the  Americans  in  the  fort.  A 
desperate  and  bloody  conflict  ensued,  of  which  the  militia  were 
calm  spectators.  In  the  end,  the  British  were  completely  victo- 
rious. Of  one  thousand  men,  who  crossed  into  Oansida,  but 
few  effected  their  escape. 

12.  Soon  after,  general  Van  Rensselaer  retired  from  the  ser- 
vice and  was  succeeded  by  general  Alexander  Smyth,  of  Vir- 
ginia. In  a  turgid  address  to  the  "  Men  of  New-York,"  he  an- 
nounced that,  in  a  few  days,  he  should  plant  the  American  stand- 
ard in  Canada,  and  invited  them  to  share  in  the  danger  and  glory 
of  the  enterprise.  His  force  was  increased,  by  those  who  obeyed 


«*»* 


338 


MADISON'S 


[1812. 


his  call,  tp  4500  111911.  Th^  morning  of  the  28th  of  No- 
vember*w8t9  assigned  as  the  time  for  croaring.  So  tardy  were 
the  movements  of  the  troops,  that  witil  afternoon,  the  oisk  di- 
vision was  not  ready  to  leave  the  American  shore.  The  eoemy 
appeared  in  force  on  tlie  opposite  bank ;  a  council  of  el&cers 
decided  that  it  was  incoqpedienti  at  that  time,  to  crooi,;  vaA  the 
troops  were  ordered  to  debarlc  They  were  dJwtppointed  and 
dissatisfied ;  but  their  clamor  was  appeased  by  the  fSiPiirwce  that 
another  i^mpt  would  cqpeedily  be  made. 

13.  The  next  dsgr,  |fa^  reeeived  orders  to  be  in  readlnflflB  to 
embark  on  the  first  of  December.  But  thdr  %8t  <i^Mi»dnt- 
metit  had  sensibly  danqped  their  ardor.  At  the  iq^^j^iii^  ooury 
the  boats  were  not  ready  to  move ;  and  when  ready)  1^  1600 
men  were  found  wHling  to  cross.  A  council  of  "Vfwr  decided 
unanimously  against  [Mroceedwg)  and  again  the  trqofft  were  or- 
dered to  deboik.  The  plmi  of  invading  Canada  was  abandoned 
for  the  season.  The  blaine  of  these  failures  was  atliibiited,  by 
the  soldiers,  to  their  commander ;  and  sq  highly  werelhey  ex- 
asperated, that,  for  several  days,  his  life  was  in  danger  from  their 
fuiy. 

14.  The  army  of  the  north,  which  was  under  the  immediate 
command  of  general  Dearborn,  was  stationed  at  Greenbudi, 
near  Albany,  and  at  Hattsburg,  on  lake  Ohampli^n.  From  thc) 
latter  post,  a  detachment  marched  a  short  distance  into  Cainada, 
i  irprised  a  smdJl  bod|y  of  British  and  Indians,  and  destroycid  a 
considerable  quantity  of ,  public  stores.  Otiier  movements  were 
anxiously  expected  by  the  peoqple ;  but  after  the  misfortunes  at 
Detroit  and  Niagara,  the  genenil  deemed  it  ineiqpedient  to  en« 
gage  in  any  important  enterprise. 

16.  Thus  ended  the  campaign  of  1812.  Although,  on  many 
occasions,  extraordiniury  gallantry  had  been  displayed,  yet  no- 
thing was  accomplished)  and  the  losses  sustahied  were  numerous 
and  heavy.  Those  who  a|^roved  of  the  declaration  of  war 
feh  disappointed,  mortified,  and  dejected.  They  attributed  most 
of  the  misfortunes  of  the  coun^  to  the  conduct  of  the  federal- 
ists, whom  they  accused  of  endeavoring  to  prevent  enlistmehts 
into  the  army,  and  of  maintaining  tiie  most  pernicious  doctrines 
in  relation  to  the  mUitia.  The  f^eraUsts  on  the  other  hand,  at- 
tributed these  repeated  failures  to  the  imbecility  of  the  admhild- 
tration,  and  to  tne  unwise  selection  of  military  officers.  They 
assumed  a  bolder  t6ne  of  censure,  and  evinced  a  more  deter- 
mined roirit  of  opposition. 

16.  But  while,  on  land,  defeat  and  disgrace  attended  tihe^arms 
of  the  republic,  on  the  ocean,  where  the  h\juries  which  led  to  the 
v/ar  had  been  inflicted,  they  gained  a  rich  harvest  of  victory  and 


1812.] 

glory. 
seam«n 
pressed 
If  can  fla 
mediate! 

17.  i 
the  Con 
Hiscrei 
of  tiieir 
deavoun 
positioij^ 
tion,.firi] 
within  h 
ttOttl  thiB 
nearly  ei 

18.  S 
commani 
andsixQ 
it  was  ^ 
burned, 
of  hcfrc] 
she  can^ 
menise  di 
of  the  i 
United  ! 
and  admi 
norsand 

19.  B 
On  tile  1 J 
guns,  ca; 
of  three 
obtained 
part,  but 
about  eig] 
by  captai 
MacedOE 
disparity 
enemy,  a 
the  Amei 
tured,  SO 
United  S 

20#  A 
gahded,  c 
tion,  off 
captured 


[1812. 

iSth  of  No- 
9  tardr  were 
itliui  nntdi- 
The  enemy 
iiof  oflKcers 
mm;  and  the 
minted  and 
uunoicetbat 

readiMflSto 


lUPy 

Ij,imit600 
war  decided 
ope  were  or- 
la  abandoned 
ittfilmtedi  by 
revetheyex- 
erfromUieir 

le  immediate 
GreenbuBh, 
>  Fromthe^ 
into  Gaiuda, 
destroy^  a 
em^itswere 
Jafortuneaat 
edient  to  en« 

gh,  on  many 
|red,  yet  no- 
re  numerous 
lUon  of  war 
ributed  most 
the  federal- 
enlistments 
nisdoctrinelB 
ler  handy  at- 
fae  adminid- 
cers.  They 
nore  deter- 

eddie^arms 
sh  led  to  the 
victory  and 


1812.] 


ADMINISTRATION. 


239 


glory.    Upon  the  declaration  of  war,  the  American  officerti  and 
seamnk  riowed  with  ardor  to  aTenge  tite  sofieringB  of  thefar  im- 

Kressed  fellow-citizens,  and  to  vindfcete  the  honor  of  the  repub- 
e«n  flag.    Those  ships  of  war,  wldch  were  ready  for  sea,  hn- 
mediate^  sailed  in  searc*"  of  the  enemy. 

17.  On  die  19th  of  August,  ca^[>tfldn  HuU,  n^o  commanded 
the  Oonstltiition  of  forty-four  guns,  descried  a  British  frigate. 
His  ct«w,  giving  three  cheets,  t^emd  to  be  placed  alongside 
of  their  antagom.  For  three  quarters  of  an  hmir,  the  latter  en- 
deavoured, by  skilful  manoeuvering,  to  dbtafan  ttie  advantage  of 
positici^  Defeated  in  this,  she  advanced  towards  the  Constitu- 
tion, firing  bniaddldes  at  intervals.  When  she  had  approached 
wi^ln  haff  pistol  shot,  a  trem^idous  cannonade  burst  upon  her 
ftmn  ibis  American  frigate.  In  liiirty  minuteB,  eveiy  mast  md 
nearly  ever)r  spar  behigshot  aw^,  she  struck  her  flag. 

18«'  She  was  found  to  be  the  Guerriere,  of  thhrty-eii^t  guns, 
commanded  by  eaptsdn  Dacres.  Of  her  crew,  flfly  ^ere  killed 
and  six^-fonr  wounded.  She  had  received  so  muai  Injury  that 
it  was  thought  to  be  impossible  to  get  her  Into  port,  and  she  ffas 
burned.  The  injury  sustahied  by  the  GonsUtotlon  was  sBg^t ; 
of  her  crew,  seven  were  killed  and  se««n  wounded.  AHhough 
she  carried  a  few  mofre  guns  than  heif^  ttatagonlst,  yet  the  fan-: 
mense  disparity  of  effect  clearly  demonstnitM  the  superior  i^ 
of  the  Americtai  seamen.  Captahi  Hull,  on  hts  return  to  ihe 
United  States,  was  welcomed  with  enthuelasm,  by  his  grateful 
and  admiring  countrymen,  who  conferred  upon  fctei  tlK>se  ho- 
nors and  dSsnnctidiis  most  dear  to  the  patriot  and  hero. 

19.  but  this  was  the  first  only  of  a  series  of  naval  victories. 
On  the  t8th  of  October,  captab  Jones,  in  the  Wasp,  of  eighteen 
guns,  captured  the  Frolic,  of  twenty-two,  a^  ft  wioody  conflict 
of  three  quarters  of  an  hour.  In  this  acllon,  Uie  idherioans 
obtained  a  victory  over  a  force  decidedly  stmerior.  On  theh> 
part,  but  eight  were  killed  and  wounded;  on  mat  of  the  enemy, 
about  eighty !  On  the  25th,  the  frigate  United  States,  commanded 
by  captain  Decatur,  encountered  and  captured  the  British  frigate 
Macedonian.  The  former  carried  a  few  guns  the  most,  but  the 
disparity  of  loss  was  astonishingly  great  On  the  part  of  the 
enemy,  a  hundred  and  four  were  kilted  and  wounded ;  on  that  of 
the  Americans,  but  eleven !  The  Wasp  was  unfortunately  cap- 
tured, soon  after  her  victory,  by  a  British  ship  of  the  line ;  the 
United  States  brought  her  prize  safely  to  New-York. 

20#  A  fourth  naval  oattle  was  fought,  and  a  fourth  victory 
gained,  on  the  29th  of  December.  On  that  day,  the  Constitu- 
tK<m,  of  forty-four  guns,  then  commanded  by  cwptaJn  Baiidnridge, 
Captured  the  Britiui  frigate  Java,  of  thirty-eight.    The  combat 


240 


MADISON'S  ADMINISTRATION.        [1812. 


continued  more  than  three  hours.  The  Java  was  reduced  to  a 
wreck;  of  her  crew  one  hundred  and  rii^-one  were  killed  and 
wounded;  of  that  of  the  Constitution^  tmrty-four. 
-  21.  These  successiye  victorioB  were  peculiarly  gratifyhig  to 
the  nation;  they  wore  gained,  in  the  midst  of  ^UMsters  on  land, 
and  by  that  class  of  citizens  whose  rights  had  been  violated: 
they  were  gahned  over  a  people  cbdndng  to  be  lords  of  the  sea, 
whom  long  continued  success  had  rendered  haugfa^  and  insolent, 
and  who  had  confidently  boasted  that  the  whole  American  navy 
would  soon  be  swept  from  the  ocean. 

22.  Many  Britisn  merchantmen  were  likewise  captured  by 
the  American  nay^;  and  privateers,  issuing  from  almost  every 
port,  and  many  of  them  bearing  flass  inscribed  **  Free  Trade 
and  Sailor's  Rights,"  were  remarkably  successAil.  The  num- 
ber of  prises,  made  during  the  first  seven  months  of  the  war, 
exceeded  five  hundred. 

28.  In  the  autunm  of  this  year,  the  quadrennial  period  for  the 
election  of  president  and  vice-president  again  recuned.  The 
candidates  for  president  were,  the  incumbent,  James  Madison  of 
Yirghiia,  and  De  Witt  Clinton  of  New-Tork;  for  vice-president, 
Elbridffe  €^rry,  of  Massachusetts,  and  Jured  Ingersoll,  of 
Peniwnvania.  Those  who  were  opposed  to  Uie  war,  supported 
Mr.  Clinton  and  Mr.  Ingersoll;  and  they  were  joined  by  many 
who  believed  that  should  the  former  be  elected  praiddent,  and 
should  he  find  it  impracticable  to  make  an  honourable  peace,  he 
would  call  forth  th«  resources,  and  direct  the  arms  of  the  repub- 
lic, with,  more  di':jston  and  energy.  Great  exertions  were 
made  bv  the  partisans  of  the  opposmg  candklates,  and  the  pas* 
sioni  of  the  people,  especially  in  the  middle  and  northern  states, 
were  hiohly  excited.  Of  the  electoral  votes  given,  Mr.  Madi- 
son received  one  hundred  and  twenty-eicdit,  and  Mr.  Genry  one 
hundred  and  thirty-one,  and  were  elected.  aSx,  CUnton  received 
eigbty-niae^  and  Mr.  IngenoU  elghty^iix^ 


[1812. 


reduced  to  a 
«  killed  and 

gratifying  to 
ten  on  luid, 
en  violated: 
I  of  thie  sea, 
uiA  insolent, 
nericannavy 

captured  by 

ilmost  eveiy 

Free  Trade 

The  num> 

of  the  war, 

teriod  for  the 
iirred.  The 
I  Madison  of 
ce-president, 
[ngersoll,  of 
ar,  supported 
ned  by  many 
resident,  and 
ble  peace,  he 
oftherepub- 
ertions  were 
and  the  pas- 
rthem  states, 
I,  Mr.  Madi« 
r.  Oeriry  one 
dton  received 


CHAPTER  xxyn, 

CAMPAIGN  OF  1813. 


t^  AT  the  cotamenipement  of  the  sesrion  of  congress,  held  in  the 
autumn  of  1812,  the  president,  in  his  message,  slated  that,  im- 
mediately after  the  declaratio|i  of  war,  he  commuidcated  to  tibe 
British  government  the  terms  on  which  its  progiiress  might  be 
arrested ;  that  these  terms  were,  the  repeal  of  die  oirders  in  coun- 
cil, the  discharge  of  American  seamen^  and  the  almndonment  of 
the  practice  of  impressment ;  and  that  the  mii^stry  had  decUned 
to  accede  to  his  oners. 

2.  He  also  stated  that,  at  an  eariy  period  of  the  war,  he  had 
received  official  hoformadon  of  the  repeal  of  the  orders  in  coun- 
cil ;  that  two  propositions  for  an  armistice  had  been  made  to 
him,  both  of  whicn  he  had  rejected,  as  they  could  no^.  have  been 
accepted  without  concedhig  to  Great.  Britain  (he  right  of-^  im- 
pressment. .   ,  .  ■,>.,V,;,  •,»--./':,,  lS^•■'^ ■..,;/■ .,- 'V- '.%  a'«;  'ir-j  ' 

8.  The  nyection  of  ttiese  propdsidoni  was  a'^protjed  by  the 
national  representatives,  who,  far  firom  abandonlnff  tbe  ground 

ftiAV  had  teiTAn.  ttflnnf<Ml  mnrA  trlimMiiia   nriAaniWAa  Aw  *lta  m.<\«A- 


thev  had  taken,  adopted  more  vigorous  measures  for  the  prose- 
cution of  the  war.  The  bounty,  and  the  wages  of  soldiers,  were 
increased.  The  president  was  authorized  to  rai^e  twenty  addi- 
tional regiments  of  infontry,  to  issue  treasury  notes,  and  to  bor- 
row money.  Provision  was  also  made  for  building  four  sbipv 
of  the  line,  six  iHgates,  and  as  many  vessels  of  war  on  the  great 
lakes  as  the  public  service  might  require.  t  ^^  >  v 

4.  So  great  was  the  desb«  of  the  c'tliens  of  the  western  coun- 
try to  reffain  possession  of  the  territory  of  Michigan,  that,  in  or- 
der to  eflect  it,  general  Harrison  resolved  to  undertake  a  winter 
campaign.  General  Winchester,  with  a  portion  of  Uie  western 
army,  proceeded  in  advance  to  Frenchtown,  a  village  on  the 
river  Raisin,  not  hr  from  Detroit.  A  British  party  stationed 
in  the  village  was  attacked,  routed,  and  entirely  oispersed. 

6.  The  Americans  encamped  near  the  field  of  battle,  a  pari 
of  them  being  protected  by  close  garden  pickets.  Although 
near  an  enemy's  post,  but  little  precaution  was  taken  to  prevent 
a  surprise.  Early  in  the  momlngof  the  22nd  of  January,  they 
were  attacked  by  a  large  force  ofBritlsh  and  Indtons,  the  former 
commanded  by  colonel  Procter,  the  latter  by  the  chieft  Round- 
head and  SpUtlog.    The  troops  In  the  open  field  were  throws 


242 


MADISON'S 


[1813. 


into  disorder.  General  TVInchester,  and  other  officers,  made  an 
ineffectual  attempt  to  rtlHr  than.  Tbej  fled,  but  while  attempting 
to  eaciqpe  were  mofrtfy  sQled  hj  the  Indians.  The  general  and 
colonel  Lewis  were  made  priaonen. 

6.  The  troops  behind  the  pickets  maintained  the  cokitest  with 
undaunted  bravery.  At  length  colonel  Procter  assured  general 
Whichester,  that  if  the  remainder  of  the  Americans  would  imme- 
^Uately  surrender,  they  should  be  protected  from  massacre ;  but 
otherwise  he  would  set  fire  to  tfaeviUagie,  iand  would  not  be  re- 
tnonsible  for  the  conduct  of  the  savaMi.  Intimidated  by  this 
threat,  seneral  Winchester  sent  an  ornnr  to  the  troops  to  surren- 
der, wluoh  they  obeyed. 

7.  Colonel  Procter,  leairfaig  the  wounded  without  a  guard, 
marched  back  immediately  to  Maiden.  The  Indians  accom- 
panied them  a  few  miles,  but  returned  eariy  the  next  mondng. 
Deeds  of  horror  followed.  The  wounded  officers  were  drag- 
ged firom  the  housos,  killed  and  scalped  hi  the  streets.  The 
buildings  were  set  on  fire.  Some  who  attemptad  to  escape 
were  forced  back  hito  the  A».mes.  Others  wer6  put  to  death  by 
the  tomahawk,  and  left  shockhi^y  mangled  in  the  highway. 
The  infamy  of  this  butchery  should  not  M  upon  the  perpetra- 
tors alone.  It  must  rest  emlaHy  upon  Uiose  who  instigated  them 
to  hostuiqr,  by  whose  side  thoy  fbu^,  who  were  able,  and  were 
bound  bv  a  solemn  engagement  to  rMtraLn  them. 

8.  The  battle  and  massaciv  at  Frenchtown  clothed  Kentucky 
and  Ohio  h&  mourning.  Other  volunteers,  indignant  at  the 
treachery  and  cruelty  of  thehr  foes,  hastened  to  the  aid  of  Har- 
rison. He  marched  to  the  rapids  of  the  Miami,  where  he 
erected  a  fort,  which  he  called  fort  Meigs,  In  honor  of  the  go- 
vernor of  Ohio.  On  the  first  of  May,  It  was  invested  by  a  large 
number  of  Indians,  and  by  a  partv  of  British  troops  flrom  Maiden, 
the  whole  commanded  by  colonel  Procter. 

9.  Five  days  afterwards,  general  Clay,  at  the  head  of  1200 
Kentucklans,  made  an  attempt  to  raise  the  siege.  Dividing  his 
fbroe  hito  several  parties,  and  making  an  Impetuous  onset,  he 
drove  the  besiegers  from  their  works.  His  troops,  supposing 
the  victorv  complete  and  disregarding  the  orders  of  their  com- 
mander, dispersed  hito  the  woms.  The  enemy,  retumhig  from 
their  flight,  obtahned  an  easv  victory.  Of  the  Americans,  two 
or  three  hundred  asoaDed  into  the  fbrt ;  about  three  hundred 
were  kUled  or  made  prisoners ;  the  remainder  fled  to  the  nearest 
settlements.    The  enemy  sustained  considerable  loss. 

10.  The  fort  continued  to  be  defended  wHh  bravery  and  skill. 
The  Indians,  unaccustomed  to  sieges,  became  weary  and  discon- 
tented.   On  the  8th  of  May,  notwitostanding  the  entreaties  of 


[1813. 

if  made  an 
ftttempUng 
meral  and 

tntestwitlL 
n1  general 
ukl  imme- 
acre;  but 
lot  be  re- 
d  by  this 
to  Burren- 

a  guard, 
M  aecom- 
moming. 
ere  dng- 
9C8.  The 
lo  eacape 
>  death  by 
higbiray. 
perpetra- 
ated  them 
and  were 

Kentucky 
At  at  the 
I  of  Har- 
vhere  he 
f  the  go- 
by a  large 
iMalden, 

of  1200 
Hding  hie 
onaet)  he 
lupposlng 
leir  com- 
iingfrom 
;ana,  two 

hundred 
e  nearest 

ind  ikiU. 
d  dlicon- 
eatlet  of 


•*         * 


1813.] 


ADMINI£lTIUTION. 


2|S 


their  chief,  Tecumsefa,  they  deeeited  their  allies.  On  the  9th, 
dnii  enemy,  despairing  of  success,  made  a  precipitate  retreat 
Ckinend  Harrison,  leaving  genend^  Clay  in  command,  returned 
to  Ohio  for  reinforcements ;  but  in  this  quarter  active  operaUons 
were  not  resumed  until  a  squadron  had  oeen  built  and  prepared 
for  action  on  lake  SMe. 

11.  At  Sackett's  Hari»or,  on  the  northern  frontier,  a  body  of 
troops  had  been  assembled  under  tlie  command  of  general  Dearw 
bom,  and  great  exertions  were  made,  by  commodore  Chauncey, 
to  build  and  «quip  a  sauadron,  on  lake  Ontario,  sufficientlv  pow- 
erful to  contend  with  that  of  the  enemy.  By  the  2dth  of  April, 
the  naval  preparations  were  so  far  completed  that  the  genenJ, 
and  1700  tit)ops,  were  conveyed  across  theiake  to  the  attack  of 
York,  the  capital  of  Upper  Canada. 

12.  On  the  27th,  an  advanced  party,  ied  by  brigadier-general 
Pike,  who  was  bom  hi  a  camp  and  bred  a  soldier  from  hte  birth, 
landed,  HV-.ough  opposed,  at  the  water's  edge,  by  a  superior 
force.  •  t.f . '  a  short  but  severe  conflict,  the  enemy  were  driven 
to  theh  '  ..icatiens.  The  rest  of  the  troops  having  landed,  the 
whole  party  pressed  forward,  carried  the  first  battery  by  assault, 
and  were  moving  towards  ^e  msAn  worlts,  when  the  enemy's 
magazine  blew  up,  with  a  tremendous  explosion,  hurlUig  upon 
the  advancing  troops  immense  quantities  of  stone  and  timber. 

18.  Numbers  were  killed,  the  gallant  Pilce  received  a  mortal 
wound ;  the  troops  halted  for  a  moment,  Init  recovering  from  the 
shock,  anin  pressed  forward  and  soon  gained  possession  of  the 
town.  Of  the  British  troops,  one  hundred  were  killed,  nearlv 
three  hundred  were  wounded,  and  the  same  number  made  pn* 
soners.  Of  the  Americans,  three  hundred  and  twenty  were 
killed  and  wounded,  and  nearlv  all  of  them  by  the  explosion  of 
the  magazine.  The  flag  whicn  waved  over  the  fort  was  carried 
to  the  dying  Pike ;  at  his  desire,  it  was  placed  under  his  head, 
when,  with  the  smile  of  triumph  on  hb  lips,  he  expired. 

14.  The  object  of  the  expedition  attained,  the  squadron  and 
troops  returned  to  Beckett's  Harbor,  whence,  the  wounded  and 
prisoners  being  landed  and  other  troops  taken  on  board,  it  sailed 
to  Fort  George,  at  the  head  of  the  Lake.  After  a  warm  en- 
gagement, the  enemy  abandoned,  and  the  Americans  entered  the 
fort.  The  Aigitives  retired  to  the  heights,  at  the  head  of  Bur- 
Ihigton  bay.  On  their  retreat,  they  were  joined  by  a  detach- 
ment from  fort  Erie  and  Chippewav.  Two  brigades,  under 
generals  Chandler  and  Winder,  were  despatched  in  pursuit.  On 
the  evening  of  the  6th  of  June,  they  encamped  at  Stoney  Creek, 
in  the  vlcmity  of  the  enemy^  who,  considering  their  situation 


244 


MADISON'S 


[1813. 


deroe.  .^e,  turned  upon  their  pursuers  and  attacked  them  in  the 
night. 

15*  The  Americans  received  them  ivith  coolness;  but  such 
was  the  d,  >  ^ess,  that  genend  Chandler,  btenciing  to  place  him- 
self at  thr  ad  of  his  artillery,  threw  himself'  into  die  midst  of 
a  British^  iy.,  A  few  minutes  afterwards,  the  same  mistake 
was  committed  by  general  Winder.  Satii^ed  with  the  capture 
of  thtise  officers,  and  a  feir  other  pibonerp,  the  enemy  noade  a 
precipitate  retreat.  Tlie  American  tro^ps  returned  to  ibrt 
George*  This  misfortune  was  soon  fi^owed  by  another.  Lieu- 
tenant-colonel Boerstier,  having  been  sent,  with  600  men,  to  dis> 
perse  a  body  of  the  enemy  coUected  at  the  Beaver  Pame,  was 
surrounded,  and  the  whole  detacliment  made  prisoners. 

16.  Whilethe  greater  part  of  the  American  army  was  thus 
employed  in  Canada,  the  British  made  an  attack  upon  the  impor- 
tant post  of  SacketTs  Harbor.  On  the  27th  of  May,  their 
squadron  appeared  before  tibe  town.  Alarm  guns  instantly  as- 
sembled the  citizens  of  the  n^hboriiood.  General  Brown,  of 
the  New- York  militia,  comumanded  in  chief,  his  whole  force 
amounting  to  about  one  thousand  men.  By  his  orders,  a  slight 
breast  work  was  hastily  thrown  up,  at  the  only  place  where  the 
enemy  could  laud.  Behind  this,  he  placed  the  militia,  the  regu- 
lars under  colonel  Backus  forming  a  second  line. 

17.  Oii  the  morning  of  the  29m,  one  thousand  BriUsh  troops 
landed  from  t'je  squadron.  They  advanced  toward  the  breast- 
woric.  The  militia,  selied  with  a  sudden  panic,  fled  in  confu- 
sion. Colonel  Mills,  in  a  vain  attempt  to  ndlv  them,  was  mor- 
tally wounded.  The  regulars,  after  a  spirited  resistance,  were 
compelled  to  reUre  towai^s  the  town,  but  \n  their  retreat  they 
Cook  possession  of  the  houses  on  the  road.  From  these  coverts 
they  poured  so  destructive  a  iire  upon  the  British  column,  that 
it  halted  and  fell  back.  General  Brown,  by  a  stratagem,  con- 
verted tliis  slight  check  into  a  precipitate  flight.  CoUecthig  the 
panic  struck  militia,  he  direetea  their  course  along  a  road,  which, 
while  it  led  fVom  the  village,  appeared  to  the  British  commander 
to  lead  to  ^e  place  of  landing.  Perceiving  them  marching  with 
great  speed,  he  supposed  that  their  db»ject  was  to  cut  off*  his  re- 
treat, and  re-embartced  so  hastily  as  to  leave  behind  most  of  his 
wounded.  General  Brown,  in  recon^)ense  for  his  services,  was 
appointed  a  brigadier  in  the  regular  army.        \ 

18.  Meanwhile,  upon  the  sea  coast,  a  distressing  and  preda- 
tot-y  war  was  carried  on,  by  large  detachments  from  the  power- 
ful navy  of  Great  Britain.  One  squadron,  stationed  In  Dela- 
ware bay,  captured  and  burned  every  merchant  vessel  which 


[1813. 

iiem  in  the 

;  but  such 
place  bim- 
e  midst  of 
16  mistake 
tie  capture 
ay  made  a 
)d  to  fort 
ler.  Lieu- 
len,  to  dis- 
dains, was 
I. 

was  thus 
^e  impor- 
iay,  weir 
slantly  as- 
Brown,  of 
hole  force 
rs,  a  slight 
where  the 
I  the  regu- 

iah  troops 
he  breast- 
,  in  confu- 
was  mor- 
nee,  were 
treat  they 
•e  coverts 
umn,  that 
gem,  con- 
ecthiff  the 
id,  which, 
>mmander 
;hing  with 
off  his  re- 
ost  of  his 
irices,  was 

nd  preda- 

le  power- 

in  Dela- 

lol  which 


1813.] 


ADMINISTRATION. 


245 


came  within  its  reach.  The  inhabitants  of  Lewiston,  in  the 
state  of  Delaware,  having  refused  to  sell  provisions  to  the  ene- 
my, the  village  was  bombarded  and  sevenu  attempts  were  made 
to  land,  but  they  were  defeated  by  the  militia* 
-  19.  Early  in  the  sprmg,  another  and  more  pdwerful  squadron 
arrived  in  Chesapeake  bay.  It  was  commanded  by  admiral 
Gockburn,  who,  departing  from  the  usual  modes  of  honourable 
warfare,  directed  his  efforts  principally  against  unoffending  citi- 
zens and  peaceful  villages.  The  farm-houses  and  gentlemen's 
seats  hear  the  Fhore  were  plundered,  and  the  cattle  driven  away 
or  wantonly  slaughtered.  Frenchtown,  Havre  de  Grace,  Frede- 
ricktown,  and  Georgetown  were  sacked  and  burned. '  Nr  i-folk 
was  saved  from  a  similar  fate,  by  the  determined  braverv  of  a 
small  force  stationed  on  Craney  Island,  in  the  harbor.  A  furi- 
ous attack  was  made  upon  H»mpton,  which,  notwithstanding  the 
gallant  resbtance  of  its  small  garrison,  was  captured,  and  the 
unfortunate  inhabitants  suffered  all  which  a  brutal  and  unres- 
trained soldiery  could  inflict. 

20.  The  ocean,  in  the  mean  time,  had  been  the  theatre  of 
sanguinary  conflicts,  in  which  the  victors  gauied  untarnished 
laurels.  Captain  Lawrence,  in  the  sloop  of  war  Hornet,  dis- 
covering, in  the  neutral  port  of  San  Salvador,  a  British  sloop  of 
war  of  superior  force,  challenged  her  commander  to  meet  nim 
at  sea.  The  challenge  being  declined.  Captain  Lawrence  blocka- 
ded the  port  until  forced  by  a  ship  of  the  lino  to  retire. 

21.  Soon  after,  on  the  28d  of  February,  the  Hornet  met  tliD 
British  brig  Peacock,  of  about  equal  force.  A  fierce  combat 
ensued.  In  less  than  fifteen  minutes,  the  Peacock  struck  her 
colors,  displaying,  at  the  same  time,  a  signal  of  distress.  The 
victors  hastened  to  the  relief  of  the  vanquished,  and  the  same 
strength  which  had  been  exerted  to  conquer  was  now  exerted 
to  save.  Thehr  efforts  were  but  partially  successful.  She  sunk 
before  all  her  crew  could  be  removed,  carrying  down  nine  Bri- 
tish seamen  and  three  brave  and  generous  Americans.  In  the 
battle,  the  loss  of  the  Hornet  was  but  one  killed  and  two  wound- 
ed ;  that  of  the  Peacock  was  never  ascertained. 

22.  On  his  return  to  the  United  States,  captain  Lawrence 
was  promoted  to  the  command  of  the  frigate  Chesapeake,  then 
in  the  Harbor  of  Boston.  For  several  weeks,  the  British  fri- 
gate Shannon,  of  equal  force  but  having  a  selected  crew,  had 
been  cruising  before  the  port ;  and  captain  Brook,  her  comman- 
der, had  announced  his  wish  to  meet,  in  single  combat,  an 
American  iHgate.  Inflamed  by  this  challenM,  captain  Law- 
rence, although  bli  crew  W8s  just  enlisted,  and  his  omccn  were 

X2 


246 


MADSION'SP 


[1813. 


•trangera  to  him  and  to  cttcfa  othor,  set  sail,  on  the  first  of  J11116, 
in  puriuit  of  the  Shannon. 

38.  Towanb  evening  of  (he  same  day,  they  met,  and  m- 
stantly  engaged,  with  unexampled  fury.  In  a  very  few  min- 
utes, and  hi  ouiek  succession,  me  sailing  master  of  the  Chesa- 
pealce  was  kuled,  captain  Lawrence  and  three  Lieutenants  were 
severely  womn^  ^''  her  ri^^ing  was  so  cut  to  pieces  that  she  fell 
on  board  the  Si  non,  her  cliwst  of  arms  blew  up,  captain  Law- 
rence received  ^  jecond  and  mortal  wound  and  was  carried  he* 
low;  atttiis  instant,  tibo  position  of  the  ships  being  favorable, 
captain  !l^ook,  at  the  head  of  his  marines,  ^^antly  boarded  the 
Chesapealce,  when  every  oflBcer  who  could  talce  command  being 
killed  or  wounded,  rei^tance  ceased,  and  the  American  flag 
was  struck  by  the  enem^. 

24.  That  fortune  favoured  the  Shannon  cannot  be  doubted. 
That  they  even  would  have  been  the  same  had  fortune  favoured 
neither,  !9  rendered  probable  by  the  astonishing  effect  of  her 
Bre*  This  unexpected  defeat  impelled  the  Americans  to  seek 
xfor  circumstances  consoUng  to  their  pride,  and  in  the  journals  of 
hie  Hay,  many  such  were  sta!»d  to  have  preceded  aiul  attended 
the  acUon.  But  nothing  could  allhy  their  grief  at  the  fedl  of  the 
youthful  and  intrepid  Lawrence.  His  previous  victory  and 
magnanimous  conduct  had  rendered  him  the  favourite  of  the 
nation,  and  he  was  lamented  with  sorrow,  deep,  sincere,  and 
lasting.  When  carried  below,  he  was  ariced  if  the  color*  should 
be  struck.  "  No,"  he  replied,  **  thev  shall  wave  whilo  I  live." 
When  the  fate  of  the  ship  was  decidedj  his  proud  ipirit  was 
broken.  He  became  delirious  from  excess  of  mental  and 
bodily  suffering.  Whenever  able  to  speak,  he  would  exclaun^ 
"Don't  give  up  the  ship!"  an  expression  consecrate'  by  his 
countrymen ;  and  he  uttered  but  few  other  words  during  the 
four  days  that  he  survived  his  defeat. 

26.  This  victory  was  not  achieved  without  loss.  Of  the 
crew  of  the  Shannon,  twentv-four  were  killed  and  fifty-six 
wounded.  Of  that  of  the  Chesapeake,  forty-eight  were  killed 
and  nearly  one  hundred  wounded.  Great  was  the  exultation  of 
the  enemy.  Victories  over  the  frigates  of  other  nations  were 
occurrencet  too  common  to  excite  emotion  {  but  the  capture  of 
an  American  frigate  was  considered  a  glorious  epoch  in  the 
naval  history  of  Great  Britain.  The  honors  and  rewards  be- 
stowed uDon  captain  Brook  were  such  as  had  never  before  been 
received  but  by  the  conquerer  of  a  squadron.  These  demon- 
strations of  triumph  were  inadvertent  confessions  of  American 
superiority ;  and  were,  to  the  vanqjukbed  themaelves,  souroes  of 
triumph  and  consolation. 


[1818. 

it  of  Jun^, 

t,  and  m- 
few  min- 
he  Chesa- 
Hants  were 
at  she  fell 
tain  Law- 
;arried  be^ 
fayorable, 
oarded  the 
land  being 
srican  ' 


i  doubted. 
i  favoured 
3ct  of  her 
ns  to  seek 
journals  of 
d  attended 
fall  of  the 
ictory  and 
ite  of  the 
loere,  and 
or*  should 
lo  I  live." 
ipirit  was 
ental  and 
1  exclahn^ 
« '  by  his 
luring  the 


Of  the 

fifty-six 
ere  killed 
iltation  of 
Ions  were 
capture  of 
Bh  in  the 
/vards  bc- 
ifore  been 
le  demon- 
Ameriean 
Murom  of 


1813.] 


ADMINISTRATION. 


247 


26.  The  next  encounter  at  sea  was  between  the  American 
brig  Ai^^us  and  the  British  brig  Pelican.  The  latter  was  of 
superior  force,  and  was  victorious.  Soon  after,  the  Ameriean 
brig  Enterprise,  commanded  by  lieutenant  Burrows,  capturad  the 
British  brig  Boxer,  conunanded  by  captain  Blyth.  These  ve»* 
sels  were  of  equal  force,  but  the  greater  efieet  of  the  fire  of  Uie 
Enterprise  furnished  to  the  Americans  another  proof  of  the 
superior  skill  of  thehr  seamen.  Both  conunandera  were  killed 
in  the  action,  and  were  buried,  each  by  the  other's  side,  in 
Portland. 

27.  The  events  of  the  war  again  call  our  attention  to  the 
northwestern  frontier.  While  each  nation  was  busily  employed 
in  equipping  a  squadron  on  lake  Erie,  general  Clay  remained 
inactive  at  fort  Meigs.  About  the  last  of  July,  a  large  number 
of  British  and  Indians  appeared  before  the  fort,  hiding  to  entice 
the  garrison  to  a  general  action  in  the  field.  After  waiting  a  few 
days  without  succeeding,  they  decamped,  and  proceeded  to  fort 
Stephenson,  on  the  river  Sandusky.  This  fort  was  little  more 
than  a  picketing  surrounded  by  a  ditch ;  and  the  garrison  con* 
sisted  of  but  160  men,  who  were  commanded  by  major  CroglHai, 
a  youth  of  twenty  one.  On  the  first  of  August,  it  was  invested 
by  500.  regulars  and  800  Indians. 

28.  After  a  cannonade,  which  continued  two  days,  the  enemy, 
in'the  evening,  supposhig  a  breach  had  been  made,  advapced  to 
assault  the  works.  Anticipating  this,  major  Croghajot  had  planted 
a  six  pounder,  the  only  piece  of  cannon  in  the  fort,  hi  a  position 
to  enfilade  the  ditch.  It  was  loaded  with  grape  shot  and  slug8> 
and  was  discharged  the  instant  the  assailants  arrived  before  it* 
The  BriUsh  commander  and  many  of  his  men  were  killed,  and 
many  others  seve*^ly  wounded.  The  remainder,  in  haste  and 
disorder,  retreated  to  their  former  position,  and  at  dawn  of  day 
retired  to  Maiden.    The  youthful  Croghan,  for  his  valor  and 

Siod  conduct,  was  promoted  to  the  rank  of  lieutenant  colonel* 
e  and  his  brave  companions -received  the  thanks  of  congress ; 
and  to  evin  se  their  respect  for  his  virtues,  the  ladies  of  ChiUicothe 
presented  ta  him  an  elegant  sword. 

:  29.  In  the  mean  time,  by  the  exertions  of  commodore  Perry, 
an  American  squadron  had  beun  prepared  for  service  on  lak* 
Erie.  It  consisted  of  nine  small  vessels,  oarryhig  In  all  fiftv«fouf 
guns.  A  Ritish  squadron  had  also  been  built  and  equipped, 
under  the  luperintendenee  of  commodore  Barelay.  It  consisted 
of  six  veseels  mounting  68  guns. 

80.  Commodore  Perry,  immediately  ssdllng,  offered  battle  to 
bis  advenarv.  On  the  tenth  of  September,  the  British  corn* 
tttnderi  having  the  wind  in  his  favor,  left  the  harbor  of  Maldeji^ 


248 


MADISON'S 


[1813. 


to  accept  the  offer.  In  a  few  hours,  the  wind  ahifted)  giving  the 
Americans  the  advantage.  Perry,  forming  the  line  of  battle, 
hoisted  his  flag,  on  which  were  inscribed  the  words  of  the  dying 
Lawrence,^  "Don't  ^ve  up  the  ship."  Loud  hozzas  from  all 
the  vessels  proclaimed  the  animation  with  which  this  motto  in- 
spired tboi/  patriotic  crews. 

31.  About  nbon,  the  firing  commenced ;  but  the  whid  being 
light,  thei  Lawrence,  the  commodore's  flag  ship,  was  the  only 
American  vessel  that  could,  at  first,  CLgage  in  close  action.  For 
two  hours,  she  contended  alone  with  two  vessels,  each  nearly 
her  equal  in  force.  All  but  seven  of  her  crew  were  either  killed 
or  wounded,  and  she,  by  the  damage  she  had  received,  was  ren- 
dered wholly  unmanageable.  The  wind  springing  up,  captain 
Elliot  was  at  length  enabled  to  bring  tht  Niagara  into  action. 
To  this  ship,  commodore  Perry,  sailing  in  an  open  boat  through 
the  midst  of  the  fire,  transferred  his  flag.  Again  the  combat 
raged  with  undiminished  fury.  In  a  short  time,  one  of  the 
British  vessels  surrendered,  and  soon  after  another;  and  the  rest 
of  ttu. American  squadron  now  joining  in  the  action,  the  victory 
wasTlndered  decisive  and  complete.  At  four  o'clock,  the  imve 
and  fortunate  commander  despatched  to  general  Harrison,  at  fort 
Meigs,  this  laconic  epistle :  "  We  have  met  the  enemy,  and  they 
are  ours." 

32.  jp^reat  was  the  joy  which  this  brilliant  victory  occasioned 
throughout  the  union.  That  it  was  achieved  over  a  superior 
force ;  that  it  was  the  first  ever  gained  over  a  squadron ;  that  it 
was  entirely  decisive ;  that  it  opened  the  way  to  the  recovery  of 
all  that  had  been  lost  by  the  defeat  of  general  Hull,— ^were  cir- 
cumstances which  threw  every  other  victory  into  the  shade,  and 
cast  the  brightest  lustre  upon  the  eharacters  of  the  heroes  who 
had  gained  it.  At  every  place  that  he  visited,  the  gallant  Perry 
received  the  most  flattering  proofs  of  a  nation's  gratitude  and 
love. 

83.  As  soon  as  general  Harrison,  who  had  been  joined  by 
governor  Shelby  with  a  large  body  of  Kentucky  militia,  received 
intelligence  of  this  victory,  he  hastened  to  the  lake,  and  was  con- 
veyed by  the  vessels  to  Maiden.  The  British  commander,  an- 
ticipating this  movement,  had  abandoned  that  place,  which,  on 
the  28th  of  September,  was  occupied,  without  oppodtion,  by  the 
American  army. 

34.  The  enemy,  passing  Detroit  in  their  retreat,  ascended  the 
river  Thames,  to  the  Moravian  villages.  They  were  pursued 
by  general  Harrison,  and,  on  the  6th  of  October,  brought  to 
action.  His  force  being  greatly  superior,  a  complete  vietbry 
vvai  aiuiily  and  speedily  gained.     Six  hundred,  nearly  the  whole 


[1813. 

,  giving  the 
)  o£  battle, 
f  the  dying 
ts  from  all 
I  motto  in- 

vind  being 
18  the  only 
;tion.  For 
ach  nearly 
itberkiUed 
I,  wasren- 
up,  captain 
nto  action. 
)at  through 
he  combat 
one  of  the 
Old  the  rest 
the  victory 
c,  the  brave 
ison,  at  fort 
Yf  and  they 

occasioned 
a  superior 
on;  that  it 
■ecovery  of 
-were  cir- 
shade,  and 
eroes  who 
lant  Perry 
ititude  and 

joined  by 
a,  received 
d  was  con- 
ander,  an- 
whlch,  on 
ion,  by  the 

:ended  the 
re  pursued 
irought  to 
te  viotbry 
the  wholo 


1813.] 


ADMINISTRATION. 


249 


of  the  party,  were  made  prisoners ;  Tecumsefai  the  celebrated 
Indian  chief  was  killed;  and  all  the  posts  that  had  been  surren* 
dered  by  general  Hull  were  recovered  from  the  enemy. 

35.  Leaimig  general  Cass  in  command  at  Detroit,  general 
Harrison,  with  part  of  the  i«gular  force,  again  embarked,  on 
board  the  vessels,  and,  on  the  24th»  arrived  at  Bufialo,  in  New- 
York,  intending  to  join  the  American  army  on  the  Niagara  &on- 
tier.  But  a  sufficient  number  of  general  officers  having  been 
assigned  to  that  aimy,  he  received  permission  to  return  to  his 
family. 

,  36.  Previous  to  the  events  just  related,  general  Dearborn,  in 
consequence  of  severe  indisposition,  was  withdrawn  from  active 
service,  vjad  general  Wilkinson  appointed  to  command  the  army 
of,  the  centre,  which  comprised  about  7000  men.  Having  re- 
ceived orders,  from  the  secretary  of  war,  to  descend  the  St. 
Lawrence  and  attack  Montreal,  he  directed  the  scattei'ed  detach- 
ments to  assemble  at  Grenadier-Island,  on  lake  Ontario.  Sueh 
were  the  difficulties  attendmg  the  concentration  of  the  troops, 
and  such  perhaps  the  want  of  vigor  in  thecommander,  thttleuie 
flotilla,  upon  which  they  embarked,  did  not  get  under  way  uflftil 
the  5tb  of  November. 

87.  Their  progress  was  impeded  b^  parties  which  the  enemy, 
at  every  convenient  position,  had  stationed  on  tiie  Canada  shore. 
To  di«perse  these,  a  body  of  troops,  under  tiie  commana  of  ge- 
neral Brown,  was  landed,  and  directed  to  nuuxh  in  advance  of 
the  boats.  At  Chrystier's  fields,  on  the  lltii  of  November,  a 
body  of  the  enemy,  of  equal  force,  was  encountered.  In  the 
battie  which  ensued,  both  fought  with  resolute  bravery,  and  both 
claimed  the  victory.  The  loss  of  the  Americans  was  greatest, 
but  they  drove  the  enemy  from  thefar  position,  and  enabled  the 
flotilla  to  pass  unmolested. 

38.  The  nex^  day  it  arrived  at  St.  Regis.  At  this  place,  ge- 
neral Hampton,  who  commanded  the  troops  at  Plattsburg,  had 
been  ordered  to  meet  the  main  army,  and  no  doubt  had  been  en» 
tertained  of  his  disposition  and  ability  to  comply  with  the  order. 
But  here  general  Wilkinson,  to  his  surprise  and  mortification, 
was  informed  that  the  contemplated  junction  would  not  take 
place.  The  protect  of  attacking  Montreal  was  abandoned,  and 
the  army  under  Willdnson,  marchUig  to  French  MiUs^  there  en- 
camped for  the  whiter. 

39.  This  abortive  issue  of  the  campaign  oceadoned  murmurs 
tiiroughout  the  nation.  The  causes  which  led  to  it  have  never 
been  fully  developed.  The  severest  censure  fell  upon  aeneral 
Armstrong,  who  was  secretary  of  war,  and  upon  general  Hamil- 
ton.    The  latter  soon  after  resigned  his  commission  in  the  army, 


250 


MADISON'S 


[1813. 


and  general  Izard  w^  aelected  to  command  the  post  at  Platts- 
burg.  ':/:  -v 

40.  In  the  progress  of  our  narrative,  some  events  have  been 
pruned  over,  idiich  will  now  be  rdated.  In  the  early  part  of 
tins  year,  the  emperor  of  Russia  offered  his  mediation  to  the  two 
powers  at  war.  On  the  part  of  the  United  States,  the  offer  was 
promptly  accmted,  and  Messrs.  Adams,  Gallatin,  and  Bayard, 
were  appointed  commissioners  to  negotiate,  at  St.  Petersburg,  a 
peace  under  tiie  proHSBrad  mediation. 

41.  On  the  24th  of  May,  congress  was  convened  by  procla- 
mation of  the  preiident.  Laws  were  enacted  imposing  a  direct 
tax  of  three  miiliohs  of  dollars ;  authorizing  the  collection  of 
various  internal  duties ;  providing  for  a  loan  of  seven  and  a  half 
million  of  doUare ;  and  prohibiting  the  merchant  vessels  of  the 
United  States  from  sailii^f  under  British  licenses.  Near  the 
close  of  the  session,  a  committee,  appointed  to  inquire  into  the 
subject,  made  a  long  report  upon  tin  spirit  and  manner  in  whidi 
the  war  had  been  conducted  by  die  enemy.  Many  proofs  were 
presented  of  shameful  departures  from  the  rules  of  warfare  ob- 
«erved  by  civilized  nations. 

42.  In  September,  commodore  Ghauncey  made  two  cruisee 
upon  lake  Ontario,  and  repeatedly  offered  battie  to  the  enemy's 
squadron,  whieh  was  superior  in  force ;  but  Sir  James  Yeo,  the 
British  commander,  intimidated  by  the  result  of  tha  battie  on 
lake  Erie,  retired  before  him.  On  one  occasion,  however,  in  a 
running  fight,  his  ships  sustained  considerable  injury. 

43.  In  the  same  month,  captsdn  Rogers,  who  commanded  the 
frigate  President,  returned  from  a  long  cruise,  having  captured 
eleven  merchantmen ;  but  he  met  no  armed  vessels,  the  capture 
of  which  could  enhance  his  reputation.  Captabi  Porter,  in  the 
Essex,  rode  triumphant  in  the  Pacific  ocean,  annoying  the  traJe 
of  the  enemy  and  protecting  that  of  the  republic. 

44.  The  Indians  at  the  southern  extremity  of  the  union  had 
imbibed  the  same  hostile  spirit  as  those  at  the  northwestern. 
They  had  been  visited  by  Tecumseh,  and,  by  his  eloquence,  per- 
suaded, that  the  sreat  Spirit  required  them  to  unite  and  attempt 
the  extirpation  of  the  wnites,  and  had  promised  them  victory  as 
tiie  reward  of  their  exertipns.  In  the  fall  of  1812,  a  cruel  wai' 
was  carried  on,  bv  the  Creeks  and  Seminoles,  against  the  fron- 
tier inhabitants  of  Georgia.  General  Jackson,  at  the  head  of 
2600  volunteers  IVom  Tennessee,  marched  into  the  country  of 
the  Indians.  They,  overawed  by  his  presence,  desisted  for  a 
time  firom  hostility;  but,  afVer  his  return,  their  animosity  bunt 
forth  with  hior^ased  and  fatal  violence. 

45.  Dreading  their  cruelty,  about  thi'ee  hundred  men,  women, 


1813.] 

and  chi] 

tlement. 

beengiv 

weresu] 

cutth^ 

which  k 

burned, 

capedto 

->The 

at  the 

southern 

counts 

conflict 

givfaig 

ishedt 

47.  i 
hundred 
seven  he 
hausted, 
thesettic 
and  even 
thesmal 
mentof 

48.  A 
withm  a 
werepoe 
in  which 
loss.  F 
Strother, 
White  fir 
led  sepai 
in  every 
would  ac 

49.  Y 
their  fait 
skill,  tiie; 
poosa,  c 
Horse-sl 
withafi^ 
thousand 
tacktiiis 
Coffee,  c 
advanced 
ceawere 
the  troo] 


[1813. 

statPlatts- 

I  have  been 
uriy  part  of 
I  to  the  two 
le  offer  was 
ad  Bayard, 
itersburg,  a 

by  proola- 
[ng  a  direct 
sllectioii  of 
i  and  a  half 
isels  of  the 
Near  the 
Ere  into  the 
erhi  whidi 
;»roofs  were 
ivarfare  ob- 

:wo  cruises 
he  enemy's 
es  Yeo,  die 
3  battle  on 
vvrever,  in  a 

nanded  the 
Iff  captured 
the  capture 
rter,  in  the 
ig  the  traJe 

)  union  had 
rthwestem. 
tience,  per- 
nd  attempt 
i  victory  as 
I  cruel  wai' 
It  the  fron- 
the  head  of 
country  Df 
listed  for  a 
osity  bunt 

in,  women, 


1813.] 


ADMINISTRATION. 


251 


and  children  sought  safety  in  fort  Mimms,  in  the  Tensaw  set- 
tlement AHhou^  frequent  wtfnihq;s  of  an  intended  attack  lud 
been  given  them^  yet,  at  no<n^  day,  on  the  80th  of  August,  th^ 
were  rarprised  by  a  party  of  inx.  hundred  Indtans,  who  with  axes 
cut  thdr  way  into  the  fort,  uid  drove  the  pet^e  hito  die  houses 
which  it  enclosed.  To  these  they  set  fire.  Many  persons  were 
burned,  and  many  killed  by  &6  tonudiawk.  Only  seventeen  es- 
caped, to  carry  the  hmrrid  tidings  to  the  nei^borhig  stations. 

The  whites  resolved  on  vengeance.  Again  general  Jackson, 
at  the  head  of  8500  militia  of  Tennessee,  marched  into  the 
southern  wilderness.  A  detachment  under  general  Coffee,  en- 
countering, at  Tallushatchie,  a  body  of  Indians,  a  sanguinary 
conflict  ensued.  Th«  latter  fought  with  desperation,  neither 
giving  nor  receiving  quarter,  until  neaiiy  every  warrior  had  per- 
ished. 

47.  At  Talladega,  another  battie  was  fought,  in  which  three 
hundred  Indians  perished.  The  rest  of  the  party,  exceeding 
seven  hundred,  fled.  General  Jackson's  provisions  being  ex- 
hausted, he  was  unable  to  pursue  them.  While  on  his  return  to 
the  settiements,  to  obtain  a  supply,  his  troops  became  refractory 
and  even  mutinous.  Nearly  all  returned  to  their  homes ;  but  to 
the  small  number  that  remained  were  soon  added  a  refaiforce- 
ment  of  one  thousand  mounted  volunteers. 

48.  At  ''3  head  of  this  force,  he  marched  to  Emuckfaw, 
within  a  bend  of  the  Tallapoosa,  whei^  a  body  of  the  enemy 
were  posted.  To  several  skirmishes  succeeded  a  general  battie, 
in  which  the  whites  were  victoilous,  but  sustained  considerable 
loss.  For  the  relief  of  the  wounded,  Jackson  returned  to  fort 
Strother,  where  the  volunteers  were  discharged.  General 
White  fh)m  East  Tennessee,  and  general  Floyd  from  Geoi^ia, 
led  separate  expeditions  against  the  Indians,  and  were  victorious 
in  every  comhAt.  So  enraged  were  the  savages,  that  but  few 
would  accept  of  quarter  or  seek  safety  in  retreat 

49.  Yet  still  was  the  spirit  of  the  Creeks  unsubdued,  and 
their  faith  hi  victory  unshaken.  With  no  littie  sagacity  and 
skill,  they  selected  and  fortified  another  position  on  tiie  Talla- 
poosa, called  by  themselves  Tohopeka,  and  by  the  whites. 
Horse-shoe  Bend.  Here  nearly  a  thousand  warriors,  animated 
with  a  fierce  and  determbied  resolution,  were  collected.  Three 
thooiand  men,  commanded  by  general  Jackmon,  marched  to  at- 
tack this  post  To  prev^Nit  escape,  a  detachment,  under  mneral 
Coffee,  encircled  the  Bend.  Tiie  main  body,  keephug  wlthb  it, 
advanced  to  the  fortress.  For  a  few  minutes,  the  opposing  for- 
ces were  encaged,  muszle  to  muzzle,  at  the  port  holes.  Soon 
the  troops,  leaping  over  the  wallS)  mingled  with  the  savages* 


252 


MADISON'S 


[1814. 


The  combat  was  furious  ^d  sanguinary.  The  Indians,  fleeing 
at  length  to  the  river,  beheld  the  troops  on  the  opposite  bank 
Returning,  they  fought  with  increased  fuxy  and  desperation,  and 
continued  to  rodst  until  n^t  Six  hundred  warriors  were 
killed;  four  only  yielded  th^nselves  prisoners;  the  remaining 
three  hundred  escaped.  Of  the  whitesi  fifty-five  were  l^ed, 
and  one  hundred  and  forty-six  wounded.  *">> 

50r  It  was  expected  that  another  stand  would  be  made,  by  the 
Indians,  at  a  place  called  the  Hickory-ground.  General  Jackr 
son  marched  thither  hi  Apiril.  The  no^ipal  chiefs  came  out 
to  meet  him,  and  among  them  was  Wetherford,  a  half  blood, 
distijBguished  equally  for  his  talents  and  cruelty.  <<  I  am  in  jrour 
power,**  said  he,  <*  do  with  me  what  you  please.  I  commanded 
at  fort  Mimms.  I  have  done  the  white  people  all  the  harm  I 
could.  I  have  fought  them,  and  fought  them  bravely.  There 
was  a  time  when  I  had  a^^dhoice ;  I  have  none  now,  even  hope  |a 
eoded.  Once  I  could  animate  my  i^arriors ;  but  I  cannot  ani- 
mate the  dead.  They  can  no  longer  hear  my  voice ;  their 
bones  are  at  TJlushatohie,  Talladega,  Emnclcfaw,  and  Toho- 
peka.  While  there  was  a  chance  of  success,  I  never  supplica- 
ted peace ;  but  my  people  are  gone,  and  I  now  ask  it  for  my  na- 
tion and  myself.**  Peace  was  concluded,  and  the  brave  gene- 
ral Jackson  and  his  troops  enjoyed  an  honourable  but  abort 
reposcu 


-$^ys^-- 


■i^^i^i.'^iM 


^^^i'^^A 


m 


■v-'^^s*! 


CHAPTER  XXYIII. 


'W^x'!^ 


1814.] 


CAMPAIGN  OF  1814. 


CONCLUSION  OF  THB  WAB. 


IN  the  winter  of  1818-14,  the  fifteenth  congress  held  a 
second  seodon.  To  increase  the  number,  and  add  to  the  effi- 
ciency of  tt»  army,  several  laws  were  passed,  by  one  ci  which 
the  enormous  bounty  of  one  hundred  and  twenty-four  dollars  was 
(Kflfered  to  recruits.  The  president  was  authorized  to  borrow 
twenty-five  millions  of  doliarsi  and  to  isfue  treasury  notes  to  the 
amount  of  five  millions. 


[1814. 

ins,  fleeing 
Qsite  bank 
tratioH)  and 
riors  were 
remaining 
'ere  killed, 

lade,  by  the 
leral  Jackr 
I  eame  out 
half  blood, 
aminjrour 
commanded 
the  harm  I 
Ly.  There 
veil  hope  ia 
cannot  ani- 
>ice ;  their 
and  Toho- 
ir  Bupplica- 
for  my  na- 
rave  gene- 

r  but  abort 

,*,    ■*.  ■ 


?,Ji- 


■■iiym-.^- 


1814.] 


ADMINISTRATION 


253 


188  held  a 
to  the  effi- 
of  which 
oUara  was 
to  borrow 
otes  to  the 


2.  Before  the  termination  of  the  sessioii,  a  communication 
vi^ received  from  the  British  govermhent,  declining  to, treat 
under  the  mediation  of  Ruaria,iuid  proposing  a  direct  negotia- 
tion at  London  or  Gottenbur^.  The  proposition  was  accepted 
by  the  American  government)  wlio  chose  €^ttenbuivh  as  tlie 
place  of  meeting,  for  wliich  Ghent  was  afterwards  substituted ; 
and  Henry  Clay  and  Jonathan  Russell,  were  joined  with  the 
commissioners  already  in  Europe^  Mir.  Clay,  in  consequence, 
relinquished  the  station  of  speaker  of  the  house  of  reprcaenta- 
tives,  and  was  succeeded  by  Langdon  Cheves,  of  South-Carolina. 

3.  Early  in  the  spring,  the  American,  army  marched  from 
French-Mills ;  a  part  of  the  troops,  under  the  co  imand  of 
general  Wilkinson,  proceeding  to  Piattsbnrgh,  and  the  remtdn- 
der^  under  general  Brown,  Teturnmg  to  Sackett's  Harbor.  Near 
the  last  of  March,  genersd  WUkinson  penetrated  into  Canadp. 
and  attacked  a  body  of  the  enemy,  occiil^ying  a  large  stone  mill, 
on  the  river  La  Cole.  He  was  repulsed  with  considerable  loss. 
This  defeat  detracted  froin  his  already  diminished  reputation. 
He  was  removed  from  command,  and  general  Izar^  appoin'^c; 
to  Stttceed  him. 

4.  For  three  months^  the  armies  of  both  nations  continued  in- 
active. Meanwhile  information  was  received  of  the  stupendous 
events  which  had  recentiy' occurred  in  Europe.  The-  emperoi* 
of  France,  having  been  arrested  in  his  victorious  career  and 
sustained  defeat  after  defeat,  was  compelled  to  abdibatie  his  throixe, 
and  retire  to  the  island  of  Elba.  Louis  the  eighteenth  was  pro- 
claimed king;  and  Great  Britain,  at  peace  with  all  the  world  hut 
the  United  States,  was  enabled  to  direct  against  them  alone  the 
immense  force  which  had  been  employed  to  crush  her  rival.  She 
delayed  not  to  u8e  the  advantages  afforded  by  her  ^od  fortune. 
From  the  portt  of  conquered  France,  ships  of  wrr  -um:  transports 
bearing  veteran  and  victorious  troops,  sailed  to  the  American 
continent,  some  destined  to  the  Niagara  frontii^r,  and  some  to  the 
Atiantic  coasts 

6.  These  events  could  not  be  viewed  witli  indiflerence  by  the 
American  people.  The  friends  of  the  administration  anticipated 
a  severer  ceimict,  and  prepared  for  greater  sacrifices  and  greater 
sufferings.  Its  opposers  were  encouraged  to  make  more  vigor- 
ous efforts  to  wrest  the  reins  of  authority  from  men  who,  ttiey 
asserted,  had  shovm  themselves  faicotnpetent  to  hold  diem. 
These  efforts,  although  condemned  by  a  great  mijlpri^  of  the 
people,  diminished  in  no  slight  degree,  the  strengm  of  the  re- 
public. 

6.  In  the  beglnnlnff  of  July,  Mneral  Brown,  who  had  been 
aisidiiouily  omployoa  in  disciplining  his  troops,  crossed  the 


fi54 


MA0IS0]^»S 


[1814. 


Niagara  witli  about  3000  men,  and  took  possession,  without  op. 
position,  of  fort  Eric.  In  a  strong  position,  at  Chippowa^  a  few 
miles  distant,  was  intrenclied  an  equal  number  of  British  troops 

commanded  by  general  Riall On  the  4th,  general  Brown  ap- 

preached  their  woiics*  The  next  day,  the  two  armies  met  in  the 
open  Held.  The  conflict  was  obstinate  and  bloody*  The 
Americans  were  victorious;  and  the  enemy,  having  sustained  tlie 
loss  of  five  hundred  men,  sought  safety  behind  their  iutrench- 
meots. 

7.  This  decisive  victory,  achieved  after  so  many  reverses, 
was  hailed  as  an  omen  of  future  success.  Soon  afterwards, 
general  Riall,  abandoning  his  works,  retired  to  tlie  heigiits  oi' 
Burlington.  Here  lieutenant-general  Drummond,  with  a  large 
reinforcement,  joined  him,  and  assurtiing  the  command,  led  back 
the  army  towards  the  American  camp.  On  the  25th,  was  fought 
the  battle  of  BridgewatOT,  whicli  began  before  sunset  and  con- 
ti  Aued  until  midnight. 

8.  This  battle  wtuet  fought  near  the  cataract  of  Niagara,  whosV 
roar  was  silenced  by  the  thunder  of  cannon  and  the. din  of  arms, 
but  was  distinctly  heard  during  the  pauses  of  tlie  fight.  At  in- 
tervals the  moon  shone  brightly,  but  oflen  her  light  was  obscured. 
Against  a  superior  force,  we  Americans,  for  several  hours,  con- 
tended with  various  success.  During  the  first  part  of  the  engage- 
ment, they  were  sorely  annoyed,  into  whaiei'er  part  of  the  field 
they  might  drive  the  enemy  or  be  driven,  by  the  British  artillery, 
stationed  on  a  commanding  eminence.  **  Can  you  storm  that 
batterr?"  said  general  Ripley  to  colonel  Miller.  "  I'll  try,  sir," 
was  the  laconic  answer.  At  the  word  of  command  his  men, 
with  steady  courage,  ascended  the  hill,  advanced  to  the  muzzleci 
of  the  cannon,  kiiTed  with  the  bayonet  several  artillery-men,  on 
the  point  of  firing  their  pieoeSf  ami  drove  the  remainder  before 
them. 

9.  B6th jpartiet  were  instantly  reiaforoed^and  the  enemy  made 
a  darkig  effort  to  regain  their  cannon.  They  were  repulsed,  but 
quickly  repeated  the  attempt.  Nearly  all  the  opposing  force.<<i 
gathered  around  thia  position,  and  to  possess  it  was  the  sole  ob- 
ject of  both  armiea.  Again  the  anamy  were  repulsed;  but 
again  they  renewed  the  effort.  Afler  a  violent  conflict,  they 
were  a  third  time  driven  frpm  the  hiU.  The  firing  then  eeased ; 
the  .Britiih  troops  were  withdrawn;  and  the  Americans  were  lefl 
in  quiet  iMMwaNion  of  the  fiaU. 

10.  Oenarali  Brown  and  Scott  having  both  baan  severely 
woandad,  the  command  devolved  upon  general  Ripley.  He  re- 
mainad  a  few  hours  upon  the  hill,  eollactad  the  wounded,  and 
than  returned  unmolested  to  the  oamp.    The  number  of  the 


Lj^I^.^jJd^^         . 


[18U. 

without  op. 
pcwa>  a  few 
^tish  troops 
Brown  ap- 
8  met  in  the 
ody.  The 
iifitained  the 
ir  iutrench- 

\y  reverses, 
afterwards, 
i  heigjite  oi' 
.vith  a  large 
nd,  led  back 
was  fought 
3t  and  con- 

^m,  who.;:^ 
iin  of  arms, 
ht.  At  in- 
18  obscured, 
hours,  con- 
the  engage- 
of  the  field 
ah  artillery, 
storm  that 
:»11  try,  sir," 
id  his  men, 
he  muzzles 
ry-men,  on 
ider  before 

nomy  made 
(pulsed,  but 
>sing  rorce.<<i 
the  sole  ob- 
9ul8ed;  but 
>nflict,  they 
ten  eeased  ,* 
RS  were  leA, 

in  severely 
y.    He  re- 

unded,  and 
ibur  of  the 


1814.] 


ADMINISl'RA'rtON 


255 


killed  and  wonnded  proves  the  bravery  of  the  combatants,  and 
the  severity  of  the  eohfliet  On  the  American  side  it  was  743 ; 
on  the  British)  one  hundred  less;  and  of  the  lattei"  117  more 
were  missing  than  of  the  former.  The  British,  iitdrefore,  besides 
losing  their  position,  sustained  the  greater  toss  of  men. 

11.  General  Ripley  found  his  force  &o  much  weakened,  that 
he  deemed  it  prudent  again  to  occupy  fort  £rie.  On  the  4th  of 
August,  it  was  invested  by  general  Drummond  with  5000  troops. 
In  defending  it,  no  less  bravery  and  skill  were  requisite,  and  no 
less  were  displayed,  than  in  contending  in  the  field.  In  the 
night  between  the  14th  and  16th,  the  besiegers  made  an  assault 
upon  the  fort,  which  was  repelled  with  conspicuouft  gallantry  by 
tlie  garrison^  the  former  losing  more  than  nine  hundred  men,  the 
latter  but  eighty-four. 

12.  The  siege  was  still  continued.  On  the  Sid  of  September, 
general  Brown,  having  recovered  fron^  his' Wounds,  thre^  him- 
self into  the  fort  and  took  command  of  the  garrison.  For  their 
fate,  great  anxiety  was  felt  hv  the  nation,  which  was,  however, 
in  some  degree,  removed  by  the  march  from  Plpjttsburgh  of  5000 
men  to  their  relief.  On  the  17th,  a  sortie  was  made  by  the  be- 
s'K'ired,  general  Porter  of  the  New- York  militia,  and  general 
Miller  of  the  regular  army,  commanding  divisions.  The  bra- 
very of  the  troops  equalled  that  which  they  had  displayed  in  the 
recent  contests.  Alter  an  hour  of  close  fighting,  they  returned 
to  the  fort,  having  killed,  wounded,  and  taken  one  thousand  of 
tlio  enemy.  Their  loss  was  severe,  amounting  to  more  than 
five  hundrad. 

13.  On  the  2l8t  of  iSeptember,  the  forty-ninth  day  of  the 
3iege,  general  Drummond  withdrew  his  forces,  relieving  tlie  gar- 
rison rrom  their  toil,  which  had  beeo  incessant,  and  from  their 
danger,  which  had  been  encountered  without  fear.  Seldom 
have  troops  deserved  higher  praise  of  their  country.  On  the 
9th  of  October,  general  Izard  arrived  with  the  reinforcement 
from  Plattsburgh,  and  being  senior  officer,  look  the  command. 
On  the  18th,  he  marched,  with  his  whole  focce,  in  pursuit  of  the 
enemy,  whom  he  found  at  Ohippewa,  strongly  posted  in  a  forti- 
fied camp.  Alter  making  sevi^ral  tinsuccessAil  attempts  to  en- 
tice them  into  the  field,  he  evacuated  Canada,  and  placed  hb 
troops  in  winter  quarters  at  Bnlalo,  Blackrock,  and  Batavla. 

14.  The  march  of  the  tronpi  from  Piattsburgh  having  l«ft 
that  post  almost  deflinceless,  the  enemy  determined  to  attack  it 
by  land,  and,  at  tlie  same  time,  to  attempt  the  destruction  of  t\w 
American  flotilla  on  lake  Champlain.  On  the  8d  of  .September, 
sir  Qeorge  Prevust,  tlie  governor-general  of  Caaadai  with  an 


260 


MADISON'S 


[1814. 


army  of  14,000  men,  most  of  vHiom  bad  served  in  the  wars  of 
£urope,  enierad  the  territories  of  the  United  States.  As  soon 
aaliis  object  was  ascertained^  brigadier-gen«ral  Macomb,  the 
commander  at  nattsburgb,  called  to  his  ara  the  militia  of  New- 
York  and  Vermont,  who,  with  alacrity  and  without  dbthiction  of 
party,  obeyed  the  <»11. 

15.  On  the  6th,  the  enemy  arrived  at  Plattsbivgh,  which  is 
situated  near  lake  Champlain,  on  the  northeriy  bank  <^  the  small 
river  Saranac.  On  their  approach,  the  American  troops,  who 
were  posted  on  the  opposri^  bank,  tore  up  the  planks  of  the 
bridges,  with  which  they  formed  slight  breastworks,  and  pre- 
pared to  dispute  the  passage  of  the  stream.  Several  attempts 
to  cross  it  were  made  by  the  enemy,  but  they  were  uniformly 
defeated.  From  this  time,  unlil  the  1 1th,  the  British  army  were 
employed  in  erecting  batteries,  while  the  American  forces  were 
every  hour  augmented  by  the  arrival  of  volunteers  and  militia. 

16.  Early  Ui  the  morning  of  that  day,  the  British  squadron, 
commanded  by  Commodore  Dovvnie,  appeared  off  the  harbor  of 
Plattsburgh,  where  that  of  the  United  States,  commanded  by 
commodore  McDonough,  lay  at  anchor  prepared  for  battle. 
The  foiTner  carried  ninety-five  guns,  and  was  manned  with  up- 
wards of  1000  men,  the  latter  carried  eighty-six  guns,  and  was 
manned  with  820  men. 

17.  At  nine  o'clock  the  battle  commenced.  Seldom  has  the 
ocean  witnessed  a  more  fUrioys  encounter  than  now  took  place 
on  the  bosom  of  this  transparent  and  peaceful  lake.  At  the 
^ame  moment,  the  enemy  on  land  began  a  heavy  cannonade  p- 
on  the  American  lhies,and  attempted,  at  different  places,  to  cross 
the  Saranac.  At  a  ford  above  tue  village  the  strife  was  hot  and 
deadly.  As  often  as  the  enemy  advanced  into  the  water,  they 
i-eceived  a  destructive  fire  from  the  militia,  and  their  dead  bodies 
iloated  down  the  stream  literally  crimsoned  with  blood. 

18.  At  half  past  eleven,  the  shout  of  victory,  heard  along  the 
l^merican  lines,  ai>nounced  the  result  of  the  battle  on  the  lake. 
\  second  Britbh  squadron  had  yielded  to  the  prowess  of  Ameri- 
can seamen.  The  cry  animated  to  braver  deeds  tiieir  bi*ethren 
on  the  land.  Fainter  became  the  efforts  uf  the  enemy.  In  the 
aflernoon,  they  withdrew  to  their  intrenchmenta.  In  the  night, 
they  began  a  precipitate  retreat,  and  had  fled  eight  miles  before 
their  departure  was  known  in  the  American  camp. 

19.  Upon  the  lake,  the  American  loss  was  110;  the  British 
194,  besides  prisoners.  On  land,  the  American  loss  was  119  ; 
that  of  the  British  was  estimated  at  2500.  In  the  latter  nntor 
her,  however,  were  bcluded  more  than  five  hundred  British 


grief 
21. 


[1S14. 

le  wars  of 
As  soon 
comb,  the 
I  of  New- 
tincdon  of 

which  is 
'the  small 
oops,  who 
nks  of  the 
,  and  pre. 
il  attempts 
uniformly 
\rmy  were 
rces  were 
id  militia, 
squadron, 
harbor  of 
landed  by 
or  battle, 
i  with  nn- 
,  and  was 

m  has  the 
ook  place 
.  At  the 
onide  p- 
s,  to  cross 
M  hot  and 
ater,  they 
)ad  bodies 
I. 

along  the 
the  ialce. 
)f  Ameri- 
bi*ethrea 
•  In  the 
the  niffbt, 
les  before 

le  British 
traa  110  ; 
ter  nunor 
d  Britbh 


1S14.] 


ADMINISTRATION. 


£67 


soldiers,  who,  preferring  Amijrica  to  their  native  country,  de- 
serted from  the  retreatins  army.  With  these  splendid  victories 
cldsed  the  campaign  on  the  northern  fVontier. 

20.  On  the  ocean,  the  republican  flag  maintained  its  high  re- 
putation. Victory  was  not  always  won ;  but  defeat  never  oc- 
curred attended  with  dishonor.  The  Essex,  commanded  by 
captain  Porter,  after  a  bloody  combat  protracted  longer  than  was 
necessary  to  vindicate  his' fame,'  struck  to  a  British  frigate 
and  sloop  of  war  whose  united  force  was  much  superior.  The 
American  sloop  Peacock  captured  the  Epervier  of  equal  force. 
The  sloop  Wasp,  commanded  by  captam  Blakcly,  captured  the 
Reindeer,  and  afterwards,  in  the  same  cruise,  sunk  the  Avon, 
each  of  superior  force.  She  made  ^iatreral  other  prizes ;  but 
never  returned  into  port.  Darkness  rests  upon  her  fate.  She 
probably  foundered  at  sea.  The  republic,  with  deep  and  sincere 
grief  mourned  the  loss  of  her  gallant  crew. 

21.  The  people  of  the  middle  and  southern  states,  anticipat- 
ing a  'great  augmentation  of  the  enemy's  force,  and  uncertain 
where  me  blow  woulJ  fall,  made  exertions  to  place  every  ex- 
po^'ied  position  in  a  posture  of  defence.  The  citizens  of  New- 
York  displayed  extraordinary  activity  and  zeal.  Philadelphia 
and  Baltiihore  were  supposed  to  be  In  less  danger,  but  additions 
were  made  to  their  forttncations.  For  the  protection  of  Wash- 
ington, a  military  district,  embracing  Maryland',  Columbia,  and 
tt  part  of  Virginia,  was  established,  and  the  command  of  it 
fl^lven  to  general  Winder,  of  Baltimore.  One  thousand  regular 
troops  were  placed  at  his  disposal,  and  he  was  authorised  to  call 
lo  his  aid  16,000  milithi. 

22.  In  the  beginning  of  August,  the  expected  reinforcements, 
consisting  of  many  vessels  of  war,  and  a  large  number  of  troops, 
arrived  in  the  Chesapeake  from  Kurope.  Of  this  f^rce,  several 
frigates  and  bomb  vessels  were  ordered  to  ascend  the  Potomac ; 
another  division,  under  sir  Peter  Parker,  was  directed  to  threaten 
Baltimore;  the  main  body  ascended  the  Patuxent,  as  Air  as 
Benedict,  where,  on  the  19th  of  August,  five  thousand  men,  com- 
manded by  general  Ross,  were  landed. 

23.  In  the  mean  time,  general  Winder  had  called  on  the 
militia  to  repair  to  hit  standard.  They  were  exeeedinglv  remist; 
in  obeying  the  call.  On  the  2and,  not  more  than  two  tnousand 
liad  assembled.  At  the  head  of  these,  and  of  one  thousand  re- 
gulars, he  took  a  position  not  far  iVom  the  enemy.  Intending  to 
prevent  their  progress  into  the  country. 

24.  A  particular  account  of  the  subsequent  events  will  not  be 
attempted.  General  Ross,  marching  through  a  scattered  popu- 
lation, advanced  towards  Washington.    Tht  Amoricani  retired 

Y2 


.m 


MADISON'S 


[1814. 


1814.] 


before  him.  A  sUuid  wm  made  near  Bladensburgh.  The  mi- 
litia fled  on  the  approach  of  danger ;  but  a  l>ody  of  seamen  and 
marines,  commanded  by  commodore  Barney,  not  only  maintain^ 
ed  their  ground,  but  compelled  the  enemy  to  give  way..  They 
I'allied,  howevei^  immediately  ;  outflanked  the  heroic  band,  put 
it  to  flight,  and  hastened  iurwajrd. 

The  retreating  force  >  ''A^re  ordered  to  assemble  on  the 
heights  near  the  capitc' ,  mA  there  they  were  joined  by  a  body 
of  Virginia  militia.  But  general  Wincler,  considering  his  force 
too  wealc  to  oppose  effectual  resistance,  retreated  to  the  heights 
of  Georgetown.  Wai^ington,  thus  left  defenceless,  was  de- 
'ierted  by  most  of  the  citbiens. 

On  the  24th,  at  eight  (&lock  in  the  evening,  the  enemy  enter- 
ed the  city,  and  at  nine,  the  capitol,  president's  house,  and  many 
olher  buildings,  were  set,,  on  fire.  Valuable  libraries,  works  of 
taste,  and  elegant  specimens  of  tlie  fine  aiti,  were  consigned  to 
destruction.  On  tne  ei(le4ing  of  the  next  day,  the.  enemy  lefl 
the  city,  and  returned  unmolested  to  Benedict ;  where,  on  the 
;>Oth,  they  embanked  on  board  the  transports.  Their  loss,  dur>^ 
ing  the  incursion,  >includii}g  deserters,  and  Such  as  died  from* 
fatlffue  on  the  march,  exceeded  eight  hundred.  « 

The  capture  of  Wa8hhigton*Tenected  disgrace  upon  those  l)y 
whom  it  ought  to  have  been  defended.  The  destruction  of  the 
udtional  edifices  attached  a  siUi)|darker  stigmm  to  the  character  of 
(he  enemy.  The  whole  civttlied  world  exclaimed  agakust  the 
.let  <)9  a  violation  of  the  rules  of  modern  warfare.  I'he  capi- 
tals of  most  of  the  European  kingdoms  had  lately  been  in  toe 
power  of  an  enemy ;  but  in  no  instance  had  the  conqueror  been 
guilty  of  sindlar  conduct.  An  indignant  spirit  pervaded  the  re- 
public. The  friends  of  the  govemment  were  not  only  increas- 
ed in  number,  but  felt  an  additional  motive  to  exert  all  their  fa-< 
ctdtles  to  overcome  the  enemy  of  their  country. 

The  squadron  which,  at  the  same  time,  ascended  the  Poto- 
mac, met  with  even  less  resistance  Uian  that  which  ascended  the 
I'atuxcnt.  As  soon  as  it  arrived  at  Alexandria,  the  cithEens  pro- 
posed a  capitulation ;  and  the  terma  were  speedily  a4iuated  with 
(he  British  commander.  To  purchase  safety,  they  delivered  up 
-.ill  their  ihipptug;  all  the  merchandise  in  the  city,  and  all  the 
uaval  and  ordnance  stores  public  and  private.  With  a  fleet  of 
prises,  loaded  with  a  rich  booty,  the  enemy  returned  immedi- 
ately to  the  o^ean. 

The  success  of  the  attack  on  Washington  encouraged  general 
Hoas  to  undertake  an  expedition  against  Baltimore.  On  the 
!  2th  of  September,  he  landed  5000  men  on  North  Point,  about 
i^iuteen  milts  from  the  city,  to  which  he  directed  his  march*. 


[1814. 

The  mi- 
men  and 
naintain^ 
They 
«ad,  put 


1814.] 


ADMINISTRATION, 


25^ 


on  the 
a  body 
is  force 
)  heights 
was  de- 


[ 


ly  enter- 
ad 


.  many 
-orlcs  of 


igned 


to 

.  leil 

on  the 

,dur^ 

from* 


emy 

>, 
)i 

ed 


hose  by 
Qof  the 
"acter  of 
dnst  the 
le  capi- 
in  tne 
or  been 
1  the  re- 
increas-^ 
heir  fa« 

e  Poto- 
ided  the 
inspro- 
edwitK 
eredup 
all  the 
fleet  of 
nmedi« 

Sneral 
Dth« 
» about 
march.. 


Preparations  for  defence  bad  ahready  £een  made.  The  whole 
of  the  militia  had  been  caHed  Into  the  field ;  the  aged  and  the 
rich  had  voluntarily  entered  the  ranks ;  and  assistance  had  been 
obtained  from  Pennsylvania  and  Yirghiia. 

80.  General  Smithy  who  commanded  the  American  forces, 
detached  general  Striker,  with  three  thousand  men,  to  retard  th(? 
progress  of  the  enemy.  The  advanced  parties  met  about  eight 
miles  from  the  city.  In  the  skirmish  which  ensued  general  Ross: 
was  killed.  The  invaders,  however,  under  the  command  of 
colonel  Brooke,  continued  to  advance,  and  soon  met  and  attacked 
the  detachment  under  Strieker.  One  of  the  militia  regiments 
gave  way.  This  communicated  a  panicto  the  others,  and  the 
general  fell  back  to  the  heights,  where,  liehind  breastworks  lias- 
tily  erected,  the  main  body  of  the  Americans  awaited  an  attack. 

31.  After  landing  the  troops  at  North  Point,  the  British  fleet 
had  sailed  up  the  Petapsco  and  bombarded  fort  McHenry  and 
i'urt  Covington,  which  stand  at  the  entrance  into  the  harbor. 
The  former  was  commanded  by  major  Armistead,  the  latter  by 
lieutensmt  Newcomb,  of  the  navy.  Both  were  gallantly  defended, 
the  fleet  was  repulsed,  and-the  commander  of  the  troops,  finding 
that  the  naval  force  could  afford  no  farther  assistance,. retres^toii, 
on  the  14th,  to  North  Point,  and  the  next  day  re-embarked. 
Soon  after,  the  "fleet  lefl  Chesapeake  bay,  and  part  proceeded 
southward  to  convey  the  troops  to  the  theatre  of  future  operationn 
and  of  unprecedented  slaughter. 

32.  In  the  New-England  states,  a  majority  of  the  people 
were,  from  the  first,  opposed  to  the  war ;  and  as  it  restrained 
them  from  their  most  profitible  pursuits,  commerce  and  the 
fisheries,  their  dissatisfaction  continued  to  increase.  They  com- 
plained that,  their  peculiar  interests  were  disregarded,  and  that 
the  govorn.nent,  employing  elsewhere  the  resources  drawn  from 
New-Fngland,  did  not  afford  them  tliat  protecHon  to  which,  as 
a  part  of  the  nation,  they  were  entitled.  The  most  zealous 
therefore  recommended  that,  ncl  onlv  the  militia  but  the  revenue 
should  be  retained  at  home  and  employed  for  their  own  defence 
and  protection. 

88.  The  general  court  of  Massachusetts  proposed  that  a  con- 
vention of  delegates,  from  the  New-£ngland  states,  shouM  as- 
semble at  Hartford  to  devise  meai>.  *o  obtain  redress  of  theii 
grievances.  To  this  proposition  Connecticut  and  Rhode  Island 
acceded.  In  December  the  convention  met,  oonsliting  of  dele- 
vatai  fVom  those  states,  appointed  by  their  l^glslaturea ;  of  two 
from  New-Hampshire,  and  one  fWim  Vermont,  appointed  at 
ooun^  meetings.  Their  sittlnas  were  seoret.  Upon  their  ad- 
journment, tliey  published  an  addroia  to  the  ptopU^  hi  which,  ia 


u 


iifiADISON»S 


[18U. 


1814.] 


forcible  languagli,  th«y  enumerated  the  measures  of  the 
natrdJii^  |^vernment,  supposed  to  be  particulariy  detrimental  to 
the  ii^resta  of  New-£ngland,  and  of  the  commercial  ekd::>  of  the 
nation,  and  proposed  such  amendments  to  the  con&titiifion  as 
would  prevent^^n  future,  the  adoption  of  similar  me^KUve~. 

84.  in  the  fall,  ii (formation  was  received  that  th*-  Ameri<^n 
and  British  commissioned)  bad  met  aitd  held  con'ticnccs  &i 
Ghent.  Great'Sritain,  rend<*red  arrogant  by  her  recent  :riumph8 
in  Europe,  by  the  capture  of  Washiugten,  and  by  the  boldness 
of  the  opposition,  demaaJed  terms  whi(^L  extinguished  the  hope 
of  a  speedy  reconciliation.  Congress  shnmk  iiot  from  the  du^> 
which  the  crbis  imposed.  Alth<><'gh  the  (-irpenditui'es  of  the  na- 
tion greatly  exceeded  ihe  i;!icome ;  although  iU>  firumoes  xi&re  h: 
^-^isordcr,  ar)d  its  credit  was  impaired,  yet  the  nal-iouallegi^^.vture^ 
with  uadaui  vr  rl  firmness,  er^ercd  upon  the  task  of  furnishing 
the  means  i«.>  proruv^ute  t\ie  war  with  increased  vigor.  The 
tajces  were  au|k^n>R'ite(i,  »nd  new  loanB  were  authorized.  The 
duties  of  Rt>crttM y  of  war,  from  which  post  general  Armstrong 
was  I'ernovod,  were  assiu;jiied  to  Mr.  Monroe,  the  >MScretary  of 
uiate,  and  Mr.  Dallas  of  Pennsylvania,  was  appoiu^ed  secretary 
of  the  treasury. 

85.  The  repose  of  general  Jackson,  and  of  the  troops  whom 
he  commanded,  was  interrupted  by  the  arri>  al  at  Pen^acola,  in 
August,  oi'  three  British  ships  of  war,  brln^'lAg  three  hundred 
soldiers,  and  arms  and  aramunition  to  be  distributed  among  the 
Indian*  of  Florida.  The  ^<Toops  were  permitted,  by  the  Spaniards^ 
to  take  poesessipn  of  tt.e  fort,  and  the  commander  issued  a  pro- 
clumation,  hidicaUng  aa  intention  of  carrying  on  war  against  the 
adjacent  paris  of  the  republic. 

86.  General  Jackson,  with  characteristic  promptness,  took 
instant  and  efficient  measures  for  calling  to  his  aid  the  patriotic 
militia,  who  had  before  been  victorious  under  his  banners.  And 
having  remonstrated  in  vain  with  the  governor  of  Pensacola,  for 
affording  shelter  and  protection  to  the  enemies  of  the  United 
States,  be,  near  the  end  of  October,  at  the  head  of  a  body  of  re- 
gulars and  two  thousand  mounted  volunteers,  marched  against 
tliat  place.  A  flag,  sent  to  demand  redress,  was  fired  on  firom 
the  batteries.  He  immediately  marched  into  the  city,  stormed 
the  fort,  obtained  entire  posseeaion,  and  compelled  the  British  to 
evacuate  Florids. 

87.  Returning  to  his  head-auarters  at  Mobile,  he  there  receiv- 
ed intelligence  that  a  powerful  expedition  was  on  the  way  to  at- 
tack New«Orleana.  Without  delay,  he  marched  with  his  troops, 
to  that  city.  He  found  it  in  a  state  of  confusion  -and  alarm. 
The  militia^  composed  of  men  of  all  nations,  was  imperfectly 


[18U. 

res  of  the 
nental  to 

as:^  of  the 
ta^-ion  as 
ire-'. 

iimen'*an 

encca  9t 

numphs 

boldness 

the  hope 

the  du^> 

f  the  na.« 

s  warn  f" 

!p.^''\ture> 

arnishing 

►r.     The 

id.     The 

rmstrdng 

retary  of 

secretary 


1814.] 


ADMINISTRATION. 


ps  whom 
acola,  in 
hundred 
long  the 
paniards^ 
id  a  pro- 
ainat  the 

>S8,  took 
patriotic 
i*  And 
cola,  for 

United 
ly  of  re- 

againtt 
m  fhom 
itortntd 
ritlihto 

I  receive 

y  to  Bt^ 

troops, 

alarm* 

orfectly 


omiized.  Many,  feeling  no  attachment  to  the  reput^lic,  had 
refused  to  enter  the  ranks.  No  fortifications  esdstod  on  the 
various  routes  by  which  the  place  could  be  approached;  and 
fears  were  entertained  that  the  reinforcements  of  militia,  which 
were  expected  from  Kentucky  and  Tennessee,  epuld  not  arrive 
in  time  to  take  part  in  the  contest. 

38.  Undismayed  by  the  difficuldes  which  surrounded  hlm^ 
general  Jackson  adopted  the  most  decided  and  efficient  means 
for  the  safety  of  this  rich  and  unportant  city.  He  visited  in  per- 
son every  exposed  point,  and  designated  the  positions  to  be  for- 
tified. He  mmgied  with  the  citizens  and  infused  into  the  greater 
part  his  own  spirit  and  energy.  By  his  presence  and  exhorta* 
tions,  they  were  animated  to  exertions  of  which  before  they 
were  not  supposed  to  be  capable.  All  who  could  wield  a  spade, 
or  carry  a  musket,  were  put  to  work  upon  the  fortifications,  or 
trained  in  the  art  of  defending  them. 

39.  The  Mississippi,  upon  the  east  bank  of  which  New-Or- 
leans stands,  flows  to  the  ocean  in  several  channels.  One,  leav- 
ing the  main  stream  above  the  city,  runs  east  of  it  and  forms,  in 
its  course,  lake  Ponchartrain  and  lake  Borgne.  Early  in  De- 
cember, the  enemy  entered  this  channel.  Their  whole  force 
amounted  to  about  8000  men,  a  part  of  whom  had  just  left  the 
shores  of  the  Chesapeake,  and  the  remainder  had  arrived  di' 
rcctly  from  England.  A  small  squadron  of  gunboats  under 
lieutenant  Jones,  was  despatched  to  oppose  their  passage  into 
the  lake.  These  were  met  bv  a  superior  force,  and  after  a  spi- 
rited conflict,  in  which  the  killed  and  wounded  of  the  enemy  ex- 
ceeded the  whole  number  of  the  Americans,  they  were  compell- 
ed to  surrender. 

40.  This  disaster  required  the  adoption,  in  the  city,  of  more 
vigorous  measures.  Disaflection  growing  bolder,  martial  law 
was  proclaimed ;  the  authority  of  the  civil  magistrate  was  sus- 
pended; and  arbitrary  power  was  assumed  and  exercised  by  the 
commander^in-chiof.  May  no  emergency  hereafter  occur,  in 
which  a  military  officer  shall  consider  himself  autboriKed  to  cite, 
as  a  precedent,  this  violation  of  the  constitution. 

41.  On  the  21st  of  December,  four  thousand  militia  arrived 
from  Tennessee.  On  the  22d,  the  enemy,  having  previously 
landed,  took  a  position  near  the  main  channel  of  the  river,  about 
eight  miles  bek)w  the  city.  In  the  evening  of  the  2ard,  general 
Jackson  made  a  sudden  and  furious  attack  upon  their  camp. 
Tliev  were  thrown  into  disorder;  but  they  soon  rallied  ami 
fought  with  bravery  equal  to  that  of  the  assallauts.  Satisfied 
with  the  advantage  first  gained,  he  withdrew  his  troops,  fortified 


d«2 


BfADISON'8 


ri8i4. 


a  itrong  position  four  miles  below  New-OriemSy  and  .^ppoited 
it  by  biSteries  Erected  on  the  west  bade  of  the  river. 

42.  On  the  28th  of  December,  and  first  of  January,  vigor- 
ous but  unsacceasf  ul  attaclcs  were  made  upon  these  fortifications, 
by  tlie  enemy.  In  tilie  mean  time,  both  armies  had  received  re- 
inforcements ;  and  general  Packenhani,  tlie  British  commander, 
resolved  to  exert  all  his  strength  in  a  combined  attack  upon  the 
American  positions  on  both  sides  of  the  river.  With  almost  in- 
credible industry,  he  caused  a  canal,  leading  from  a  creek  empty- 
ing into  lake  Borgne  to  the  main  channel  of  the  Mississippi,  to 
be  dug,  that  he  might  remove  a  part  of  his  boats  and  artillery  to 
the  latter.  All  things  being  prepared,  the  8th  of  January  was 
assigned  for  the  assault. 

43.  In  the  night,  a  regiment  was  transported  across  the  river, 
to  storm  the  works  on  the  western  bank,  and  turn  the  guns  on 
the  American  trpops  on  the  eastern.  Early  in  the  morning,  the 
main  body  of  the  enemy,  consisting  of  seven  or  eight  thousand 
men,  marched  from  their  camp  to  the  assault.  While  approach- 
ing, feaiiess  and  undaunted,  shoWers  of  grape-shot  thinned  their 
ranks.  When  they  came  witliin  musket  shot  a  vivid  stream  of 
fire  burst  from  the  American  lines.  General  Jacks'^n  having 
placed  his  troops  in  two  ranks,  those  m  the  rear  loaded  for  those 
in  front,  enabling  them  to  fire  with  scarcely  a  moment's  inter- 
mission. The  militia  of  the  west,  trained  from  infancy  to  the 
use  of  the  rifle,  seldom  took  unsteady  or  uncertain  aim.  The 
plain  was  soon  covered  with  dead  and  wounded.  Some  British 
regiments  faltered  and  fell  back;  but  others  advanced  and  pre- 
sented new  victims.     While  bravely  leading  to  the  wall-r  the  rc- 

?iment  which  bore  the  ladders,  general  Packenham  was  killed, 
n  attempting  to  restore  order  and  to  rally  the  fugitives,  general 
Oibbs,  the 'second  in  command,  was  wounded  moitally,  and  ge- 
neral Keene  severely.  Without  officers  to  direct  them,  the 
trbops  first  halted,  then  fell  back,  and  soon  fled  in  disorder  to 
their  camp.  In  little  more  than  an  hour,  two  thousand  of  the 
enemy  were  laid  prostrate  upon  the  field  ;  while  of  the  Ameri- 
cans but  seven  were  killed  and  six  wounded — a  disproportion  of 
loos  without  a  parallel  in  the  annals  of  warfare. 

44.  The  events  of  the  day,  on  the  west  skie  of  the  river,  pre- 
sent a  striking  instance  of  the  uncertainty  of  warlike  operations. 
There  the  Americans  were  thrice  the  number  of  the  assailants, 
and  were  protected  by  intrenchments ;  but  they  ingloriously  fled*  , 
They  were  closely  pursued,  until  the  British  party,  receiving  in- 
telllgtnee  of  the  defeat  of  the  main  army,  withdrew  from  pur* 
suit  and  recrossed  the  river.  They  then  returaed  and  retuoMKl 
possession  of  their  intrenchments. 


idu.] 


ALMINISTRAtlON. 


963 


45.  General  Lambert,  upon  whom  the  command  of  the  Bri- 
tish Btmy  had  devolved,  having  lost  all  hope  of  succesB,  jfvemr- 
ed  to  returi)  to  his  tihipping.  In  his  retreat  he  was  not  molest- 
ed :  general  Jackson  wisely  resolving  to  hazard  nothing  that  he 
had  gained,  in  attempting  to  gain  stiu  more. 

46.  Ip  the  midst  of  me  rejoicings  for  this  signal  victory,  a 
special  messenger  arrived  from  Europe,  with  a  treaty  of  peace, 
which,  in  December,  had  been  concluded  at  Ghent.  The  Bri- 
tish government  had  receded  from  all  their  deniands ;  and  as  the 
orders  in  council  had  been  repealed,  and  all  motive  for  ^e  im- 
pressment of  seamen  had  ceased  with  the  wstr  in  Europe,  no 
stipulation,  in  relation  to  these  subjects,  was  inserted  in  the  trea- 
ty, which  provided  merely  for  the  restoration  of  peace  and  the 
revision  of  boundaries.  The  treaty  was  inunediately  ratified  by. 
the  president  and  senate. 

47.  The  war,  however,  did  not  cease  on  the  ocean,  until  two 
additional  victories  had  imparted  a  brighter  lustre  to  the  republi- 
can flag.  In  February,  me  Constitution,  then  cruishig  under 
the  command  of  captun  Stewart,  ctqptured  the  Cyane  and  Le- 
vant, whose  forces  united  were  superior  to  hers;  and  in  March| 
the  sloop  Hornet  captured  the  bi^  Penguin,  stronger  in  guns 
anc}  men  than  the  victor.^ 


■■f,' 


^^ 


!■    ■■ 


%-.    f' 


THE 

the  mofl 
burst  fro 
ous  exer 
come  tfa 
questioni 
tions,  an 
They  ha 
scious  of 
upon  oth 

2.  Fr 
had  beex 
ness.  1 
participa 
and  yet  ] 
The  per 
civil  and 
inquiries 
more  fin 

3  No 
better  fit 
new.  1 
the  evil 
world;  i 
vated  by 
ject  tho8< 
the  splen 
nghts  an 

4.  In 
existed,  i 
cera  of  t 
ges  extei 
the  incoi 
and  ranli 


T..- ,  - 


-^fc&^iv^rU/. 


APPENDIX. 


^i.-^ 


THE  English  colonies  of  North  America  were  settled  under 
the  most  favourable  auspices.  The  mind  of  man  had  just 
burst  from  thraldom,  and  begun  to  delight  in  the  free  and  vigors 
ous  exercise  of  its  powers. '  fleligion  and  government  had  be- 
come themes  of  animated  dis<;ussion.  The  people  had  boldly 
questioned  the  divin*  right  of  their  rulers  to  control  their  ac- 
tions, and  of  their  priests  to  prescribe  to  them  articles  of  faith. 
They  had  assumed  a  higher  rank  and  bolder  attitude ;  and,  con- 
scious of  their  own  power,  had  begun  to  feel  less  dependence 
upon  others. 

2.  From  that  country,  where  the  advancement  of  knowledge 
had  been  greatest,  came  those  who  peopled  this  western  wilder- 
ness. They  belonged  principally  to  a  class,  so  high  as  to  have 
participated  largely  in  the  advantages  which  knowledge  imparts, 
and  yet  not  so  high  as  to  be  above  the  power  of  the  oj^ressor. 
The  persecutions  they  had  endured  rendered  the  principles  of 
civil  and  religious  liberty  more  dear  to  their  hearts;  and  led  to 
inquiries  and  reflections,  which  fixed  a  conviction  of  their  truth 
more  firmly  in  their  understandings. 

3  No  occasion  could  be  more  fortunate,  no  men  could  be 
better  fitted,  to  lay  the  foundation  of  a  superstructure  entirely 
new.  Their  knowledge  enabled  them  to  discern  the  good  Bnd 
the  evil  of  the  political  institutions,  which  had  existod  in  the 
world ;  and  their  feelings,  chastened  by  their  sufierings,  or  ele- 
vated by  their  favourable  view  of  human  nature,  led  thcni  to  re- 
ject those  provisions,  which  sacrificed  the  happiness  of  uiany  to 
the  splendour  of  a  few ;  and  to  adopt  such  only  as  gave  equal 
rights  and  privileges  to  all. 

4.  In  every  nation  of  Europe,  ecclesiastical  establishments 
existed,  almost  co-ordinate  with  ihe  civil  authority.  The  ofli- 
cei^  of  these  establishments  were  numerous,  and  their  privile- 
ges extensive.  For  their  support,  in  early  times,  a  tenth  part  of 
the  income  of  the  laity  was  appropriated.  Possessing  wealth, 
and  rank,  and  learnhig,  their  influence  was  great,  and  was  con" 


*^' 


S66 


APPENDIX. 


fltantly  exerted  to  acquire  and  preserve  domimon  over  the  minds 
and  co^isciences  of  men.  Their  success  was  equal  to  the  means 
wlUch  they  employed.  They  continued  to  add  to  their  wealth 
and  power,  until,  corrupted  by  luxury  and  idleness,  they  forgot 
their  duties  to  God  and  to  man ;  and  encumbered  society  with  a 
useless  and  oppressive  weight. 

6.  No  part  of  these  establishments  have  been  transferred 
to  America.     The  first  settiers  of  most  of  the  colonies  were  too 

Sroud  of  their  attainments,  in  spiritual  knowledge,  to  submit  to 
ictation  in  matters  of  futh ;  and  too  independent  in  feeling  to 
aclcnowledge  a  superior  on  earth.  Here  man  resumed  his 
natural  and  dignified  station ;  and  the  ministers  of  the  gospel, 
maintaining  an  apostolical  simplicity  of  character  and  manners, 
have  seldom  sought  to  obtain,  and  possess  not  the  means  of  ob- 
taining, any  greater  influence  than  that  which  superior  virtue 
and  piety  confer.  .  * 

6.  The  doctrine  of  hereditary  right  prevailed  also  throughout 
Europe.  By  the  fundamental  regulations  of  nearly  every  king' 
dom,  the  monarch  and  nobles  transmitted  to  thebr  eldest  sons, 
even  though  destitute  of  talents  and  virtue,  their  authority,  pri- 
vileges, and  rank.  The  people  often  saw  on  the  throne  men, 
who  were  guilty  of  the  most  atrocious  wickedness,  and  whose 
conduct  involved  communities  and  nations  in  misery ;  but  no  at- 
tempt could  be  made  to  remove  or  punish  them  without  incur- 
ring the  penalty  of  rebellion.  They  saw  also*  in  other  exalted 
stations,  men  equally  wicked  and  equally  beyond  their  control. 

6.  The  law  of  primogeniture  existed  as  a  part  of  the  here- 
ditary system.  The  eldest  son  inherited,  not  we  titie  only,  but 
also  all  the  lands  of  the  father.  By  this  unjust  and  unnatural 
law,  the  younger  sons  and  the  daughters  were  doomed  to  com- 
parative poverty.  One  portion  of  me  people  was  made  rich  and 
another  poor.  Few  were  placed  in  that  happy  medium  between 
wealth  and  poverty,  which  is  most  favourable  to  virtue,  to  hap* 
■piness,  and  to  the  improvement  of  the  human  faculties. 

8.  The  principle,  that  power  could  be  inherited,  was  at  once 
rejected  by  the  first  emigrants  to  America.  They  had  witnessed, 
in  Europe,  the  pernicious  operation  of  this  principle ;  they 
were  convinced  of  its  absurdities ;  and  even  had  not  such  been 
the  case,  that  equality  of  rank  and  condition,  which  existed 
among  them,  would  have  prevented  any  one  from  claiming  such 
a  privilege  for  his  family,  and  all  others  from  submitting  to  it 

9.  The  law  of  primogeniture  fell  of  course  into  disusei  or  was 
abolished.  That  equality  of  rights  and  of  rank,  which  prevaUed 
at  first,  has  continued  to  prevail ;  and  though,  in  some  of  the 
colonies,  the  extravagant  grants  of  land,  which  were  made  bv 


capricio 
offortui 
diminish 
that  wea 
to  the  pi 

10.  1 
were  als 
perfect 
provisioi 
fiirstemif 
principle 
vileges  t 
tertaininj 
occasion 
litUe  dis 
Every  m 
state  of 
dependei 
transitioi 
and  unav 

11.  Ii 
vemmen 
the  peopl 
tain  may 
vemmeni 
support  ( 
halfmilli 
of  tiie  Ui 
of  the  su 
not  so  gr 

12.  T 
annually 
but  litde 
the  formi 
two  and  \ 
exclusive 
yearly  fo 
in  nation 
as  the  wl 
in  the  est 
kingdom, 
an  avera^ 

18.  MS 
regulatioi 
pursue  tk 


•  I 


APPE3«)IX. 


fi67 


the  minds 
he  means 
)ir  wealth 
ley  forgot 
ity  with  a 

'ansferred 
I  were  too 
submit  to 
feeling  to 
umed  hia 
le  gospel, 
manners, 
tns  of  ob- 
ior  virtue 

irouffhout 
reiy  king" 
dest  sons, 
ority,  pri- 
rone  men, 
d  whose 
ut  no  at- 
ut  incur- 
Bf  exalted 
control, 
the  here' 
only,  but 
unnatural 
cl  to  com- 
s  rich  and 
I  between 
if  to  hap- 
I. 

IS  at  once 
witnessed, 
»le;  they 
iich  been 
1  existed 
ling  such 
^toit 
e^  or  was 
previdled 
e  of  the 
madebv 


E 


capricious  governors  to  their  favorites,  introduced  great  inequality 
of  fortune,  yet  the  salutary  operation  of  various  laws  is  continually 
duninishing  this  inequality,  dividing  and  distributing  among  many 
that  wealth,  which,  when  in  the  hands  of  a  few,  is  less  beneficial 
to  the  public,  and  productive  of  less  individual  enjoyment. 

10.  The  systems  of  government  established  in  the  colonies 
were  also  departures  from  European  precedents,  and  were  in 
perfect  harmony  with  their  social  institutions.  Most  of  the- 
provisions  of  the  early  charters  were  doubtless  su^ested  by  the 
first  emigrants,  and  of  course  accorded  with  their  liberal  political 
principles.  The  kings,  who  granted  tiiem,  conceded  many  pri- 
vileges to  encourage  the  settlement  of  colonies  in  America,  en- 
tertaining no  suspicion  that  their  successors  would  ever  have 
occasion  to  regret  their  concessions.  These  charters  made  but 
litde  distinction  in  the  rights  and  privileges  of  the  colonists. 
Every  man  could  regard  those  around  him  as  his  equals.  The 
state  of  individual  dependence  being  hardly  known,  all  sense  of 
dependence  on  the  mother  country  was  gradually  lost ;  and  the 
transition  from  a  colonial  to  an  independent  condition  was  natural 
and  unavoidable. 

11.  In  nothmg  is  the  contrast  between  the  two  systems  of  go- 
vernment greater  than  in  the  requisitions,  which  they  make  of 
the  people,  for  their  support  and  defence.  That  of  Great  Bri- 
tain may  be  taken  as  a  favorable  example  of  the  European  go- 
vernments. The  people  of  that  kingdom  pay,  annually,  for  the 
support  of  their  sovereign  and  his  relatives,  nearly  two  and  a 
half  millions  of  dollars,  while  the  compensation  of  the  president 
of  the  United  States  is  but  twenty-five  thousand.  In  the  salaries 
of  the  subordinate  officers  of  government,  the  disproportion  is 
not  so  great,  but  is  generally,  nevertheless,  as  four  or  five  to  one. 

12.  The  military  peace  establishment  of  Great  Britain  costs 
annually  thirty-four  millions  of  dollars ;  that  of  the  United  States 
but  littie  more  than  five  millions.  The  naval  establishment  of 
the  former  costs  twenty-two  millions ;  that  of  the  latter  less  than 
two  and  a  half  millions.  British  subjects  pay  in  taxes,  raised 
exclusively  for  national  purposes,  at  the  rate  of  fifteen  dollars 
yearly  for  each  individual;  tne  citizens  of  the  United  States  pay, 
in  national  and  state  taxes,  at  die  rate  of  but  two  dollars.  And 
as  the  whole  population  of  Great  Britain  and  Ireland  is  included 
in  the  estunate,  the  individual  wealth  of  the  subjects  of  the  united 
kingdom,  and  of  the  citizens  of  the  American  republiC|  may,  on 
an  average,  be  considered  nearly  equal. 

18.  With  burdens  thus  light,  not  embarrassed  by  too  much 
regulation,  nor  restricted  by  monopolies,  but  left  at  liberty  to 
pursue  their  own  interests,  as  individual  judgment  may  dictate. 


268 


APPENDIX. 


the  citizens  of  tlie  republic  have  boldly  embarked  in  all.  &e  or* 
dinary  pursuits  of  man ;  and  in  all  have  met  with  a  d^free  of 
success,  vrhich  exhibits  a  favorable  and  forcible  commentary 
upon  their  free  institutions,  and  proves  that  no  other  people  sur> 
pass  them  in  activity  or  enterprise. 

14.  In  the  pursuits  of  agriculture,  by  far  the  greatest  por-i 
tion  of  the  inhabitants  are  engaged  ;  and  for  that  employment 
the  country  is  most  favorably  situated.  It  embraces  every  de- 
sirable variety  of  climate.  The  soil  is  {generally  good ;  in  many 
parts  of  the  union,  it  is  exceedingly  fertile ;  and  it  produces,  or 
may  be  made  to  produce,  almost  every  vegetable,  which  can  be 
used  as  the  food  of  man,  or  as  the  material  of  manufactures. 
The  northern  states  produce  Indian  corn,  rye,  wheat,  flax,  hemp, 
oats,  potatoes ;  and  their  pastures  feed  and  fatten  large  numbers 
of  cattle  and  sheep.  The  middle  and  western  states  produce 
tobacco,  and  the  same  articles  as  the  northern,  but  wheat  in 
much  greater  abundance.  In  the  southern  states,  cotton  is 
principally  cultivated,  but  considerable  quantities  of  rice  and 
sugar  are  produced. 

15.  In  1820,  th?  number  of  persons  engaged  in  agriculture 
was  2,070,646.  The  value  of  all  its  products  exported  during 
tlie  year  ending  the  30th  of  September,  1823,  was  37,646,000 
dollars.  The  prkicipal  articles  were,  cotton  to  the  value  of 
20,445,000  doAars ;  flour  to  the  value  of  4,962,000  dollars ; 
tobacco  to  the  value  of  4,852,000  dollars  ;  and  rice  to  the  value 
of  1,821,000  dollars.  The  value  of  provisions  of  all  kinds  ex- 
ported was  13,460,000  dollars,  and  it  has,  in  many  years,  been 
greater.  A  people  able  to  spare  such  an  amount  of  the  necessa- 
ries of  lift)  can  never  be  in  danger  of  sufleri'^'j  from  want. 

16.  The  agricultural  class  is  conspicuous  lor  industry,  morali- 
ty, and  general  intelligence ;  but  has  less  professional  knowledge 
thnn  the  same  diss  in  Europe.  Land  having  hitherto  been 
<:heap,  and  not  exhausted  by  cultivation,  agriculturists  have  not 
bf»en  eager,  and  it  has  not  been  necessary,  to  make  practical  ap- 
plication of  the  discoveries  of  science.  A  change  in  these  rc> 
spects  having  taken  place,  especially  in  the  Atlantic  states,  many 
now  study  their  protedsion  as  u  science  ;  and,  as  all  professions 
are  estimated  accoi*ding  to  the  skill  and  intelligence  required  to 
attain  eminence  in  them,  they  are  raising  their  own  nearer  to  that 
rank  in  society,  to  which  the  utility  and  hnportance  of  agricul- 
ture entitle  it.  More  taste  and  neatnesA  are  dietplayed,  and  tlie 
appearance  of  the  country  Isvisiltiy  and  rapidly  improving. 

17.  The  coMMERCF,  of  the  United  States  has  vielded  a  rich 
harvest  of  wealth.  Various  clrcunistanros  have  iflrei'tiHl  to  thlw 
l^iu-auU  the  attcullon  of  u  largo  portion  of  the  poptdation,  and 


'"1  .f  .'^ 


APPENDIX. 


260 


I  <ihe  or- 
legree  of 
amentary 
iople  sur» 

atest  pori 
ployment 
every  de- 

in  many 
>duces,  or 
ch  can  be 
ufactures. 
ax,  hemp, 
e  numbers 

produce 
wheat  in 
cotton  is 

rice  and 

igriculture 
ed  during 
7,646,000 
3  value  o^ 

0  dollars; 
)  the  value 

1  kinds  ex- 
ears,  been 
le  necessa- 
ant. 

ry,  morali- 
knowledge 
ticrto  been 
s  have  not 
•actlcal  ap- 
i  these  re- 
ntes, many 
profesHionH 
•equired  to 
aror  to  that 
of  ngricul- 
!id,  and  the 
Dving. 
Ided  a  rirli 
el(>d  to  tlili'i 
dution,  and 


have  contributed  to  their  prosperity  in  it.  For  two  thousand 
miles,  the  republic  bounds  upon  the  sea,  and  in  that  space  has 
many  excellent  harbors.  The  finest  timber  for  ship  building  is 
abundant,  and  easily  procured.  Near  the  shores  of  the  north- 
ern states,  and  on  the  adjacent  banks  of  Newfoundland,  are  fish- 
ing stations,  unsurpassed  by  any  in  the  world.  Fishing  is  con- 
sequently a  lucrative  employment,  in  proportion  to  the  capital 
invested,  and  attracts  to  it  a  large  number  of  the  natives  of  those 
states.  These  become  accustomed  to  a  seafaring  life,  and  soon 
pass  into  larger  vessels,  destined  for  more  distant  and  perilous 
voyages. 

18.  The  state  of  the  world,  for  several  years  subsequent  to 
the  commencement  of  the  French  revolution,  offered  great  en- 
couragement to  the  commercial  enterprise  of  the  country.  While 
almost  every  other  power  was  engaged  in  war,  the  United  States 
were  neutral ;  their  vessels  navigated  the  ocean:  in  safety,  and 
were  employed  to  carry,  from  port  to  port,  the  commodities  of 
the  belligerent  nations.  In  fifleen  years,  beginning  with  1793, 
these  favorable  circumstances  increased  ths  amount  of  Ameri- 
can tonnage  from  491,000  to  1,242,000  tons,  and  the  revenue 
arising  from  commerce,  from  4,399,000  to  16,363,000  dollars. 

19.  In  1820,  the  number  of  persons  engaged  in  commerce 
was  72,498.  In  1823,  the  wnole  amount  of  exports  was 
74,799,000  dollars;  the  amount  of  import?  was  77,579,009 
dollars,  the  balance,  in  favor  of  the .  United  States,  being  about 
three  millions  of  dollars.  As  the  imports,  iiowever,  nre  alwayi 
undervalued  at  the  <*ustom-house,  the  additional  wealth,  which, 
in  that  year,  accrued  to  tbe  nation  from  coiomerce,  was  undoubt- 
edly greater. 

20.  In  other  years,  the  commert*'  of  the  conuify  has  flour 
ished  more.  In  1807,  the  exports  amouuted  to  108,343,00(1 
dollars,  and  the  Imports  to  138,674,000  doihrm.  The  principal 
causes  of  the  decliiie  which  han  tuken  place,  tiav«>  hev.i,,  the  re- 
storation of  peace  in  Europe,  and  lh»*  iacren^ie  of  »^»e  product  of 
don)ei*tic  itmnufactures.  The  t'uriner  \m»  peniuited  uli  other 
nations  to  become  our  competitors ;  thr  latter  has  rendered  i< 
tmnecessai/  to  resort  to  Knrope  for  nutut  of  Hi*  conrenience* 
and  many  of  the  luxuries  of  life.  The  depr«i«iiu/r>  will  not  long 
continue.  The  inde'^endence  of  the  South  American  ropublicif 
has  opened  a  wide  field  for  the  entei-prise  of  our  merchants,  and 
given  a  l)rlghter  hue  to  their  fntuie  pronprcts, 

21.  The  coi)  Fi*}iiEi<i  on  the  north  ennteni  coast  of  Americt* 
attracted,  at  an  early  period,  the  utteiit*vni  of  the  world.  In 
1583,  sir  Humphrey  Gilbert  found  tldrty  six  vceseb  litfhhi^  in 

Z  2    :,      •-- 


27a 


APPENDIX. 


the  harbor  of  St.  John,  in  Newfoundland.  They  were  princi- 
pally from  Biscay,  in  Spain,  and  Britany  in  France,  and,  for 
many  years,  the  French  retained  almost  a  monopoly  of  this 
source  of  wealth.  In  1744,  they  employed,  in  this  fishery,  414 
large  ships,  navigated  by  about  24,000  seamen,  and  the  quantity 
of  fish  taken  amounted  to  1,149,000  quintals. 

22.  The  war  of  1756,  expelling  the  French  fiom  the  .conti- 
nent, transferred  the  privileges  which  they  had  enjoyed  to  Great 
Britain.  The  English  colonies,  from  their  vicinity,  participated 
largely  in  them.  In  the  year  1760,  six  hundred  and  sixty  ves- 
sels, navigated  by  4,400  seamen,  were  fitted  out  from  the  portH 
of  New-England.  During  the  revolutionary  war,  the  Ameri- 
cans were  compelled  to  relinquish  this  profitable  pursuit ;  and  it 
required  all  the  firmness  and  address  of  the  negotiators  of  the 
peace  of  1783,  to  secure  to  these  states  those  advantages  which 
nature  seems  to  have  intended  for  them,  and  which  they  had  en- 
joyed as  a  component  part  of  the  British  empire.  They  were 
at  length,  however,  notwithstanding  the  covert  opposition  ol* 
France,  conceded  by  the  mother  country. 

23.  From  that  period,  till  1807,  the  number  of  vessels  and 
men  employed  in  this  puiwiit  continued  to  increase.  An  esti- 
mate has  been  made  that,  from  1790  to  1810,  twelve  hundred 
vessels  of  all  kinds,  navigated  by  10,500  men  and  boys,  were, 
on  an  average,  yearly  employed  in  the  Bank, Bay,  and  Labrador 
fisheries ;  1,150,000  quintals  of  fish  were  caught  and  cured ;  and 
37,000  barrels  of  oil  were  made.  The  annual  value  of  the  pro- 
duct of  these  fisheries  could  not  have  been  less  than  three  and  a 
half  millions  of  dollars.  They  were  interrupted  by  tlie  last  war 
with  Grerit  Britain,  and  have  not  since  rcgainfid  tlieir  former 
activity.  As  nurHeries  of  seamen,  they  are  important  to  the  na- 
tion ;  and  as  such  have  received  the  particular  attention  and  en- 
couragement of  government.  A  bounty  which  has,  iu  some 
yeara,  amounted  to  200,000  dollars  is  paid  to  the  owners  and 
crews  of  the  vessels  employed. 

24.  The  WHALE  fishrry  of  the  United  States  ought  not  to 
be  passed  over  unnoticed.  Its  successful  prosecution  romiireH 
nncommoit  hardiliood  and  skill.  As  early  an  1690,  the  innabi- 
fiints  of  Nantucket  engaged  in  this  pursuit,  and  were  soon  atler 
joined  by  their  brethren  of  the  town  of  New-Bedford.  In  a* 
few  years,  tliese  monsters  of  the  deep  were  driven  from  the 
Aniorican  coasts  ;  but  were  pursued  with  ardor  hito  seas  the  most 
remote.  In  1715,  two  huiuhwl  and  twenty  eight  tons ;  in  1771, 
Hv'Mity-Heven  tliousiuid  tons ;  In  1815,  loi-ty  two  thousaiid  tons 
of  shipping  were  employed  Ia  this  buelMso*    Tho  |>ro<luGt  oi 


this  fishery 
maceti  oil 
1823,  at  6 
26.  An 
the  British 
a  correct  i( 
terprise  ai 
wealth  wh 
fisheries,  y 
surely  tho 
even  to  ex 
prising  en 
opinion,  to 

26.  "A 
the  other 
New-Eng] 
we  follow 
hold  them 
son's  bay 
bene:;th  th 
the  opposii 
and  en gag 
Island,  wh 
grasp  of  n 
progress  o 

27.  "IV 
than*  the  a 
while  som 
coasts  of  . 
tic  game  i; 
by  their  fii 
Neither  th 
nor  the  de 
carried  th 
to  which 
who  are  »i 
into  the  b< 

28.  "\ 
tlie  colon* 
they  are  i 
watchful  I 
and  saluta 
its  own  V 
when  I  80 
prld«  of  ; 


■-.T  ■"•■■    r\^   -I-' J  '-r,'P-*' 


APPENDIX. 


271 


this  fishery,  exported  in  1S07,  consisting  of  common  and  sper- 
maceti oil  and  whale-bone,  was  valued  at  606,000  dollars ;  in 
1823,  at  653,000  dollars. 

26.  An  extract  from  the  speech  of  Mr.  Burke  delivered  in 
the  British  Parliament,  in  1775,  presents,  in  eloquent  language, 
a  correct  idea  of  the  importance  of  this  fishery,  and  of  the  en- 
terprise and  dexterity  of  those  engaged  in  it.  "As  to  the  ' 
wealth  which  the  colonies  have  drawn  from  the  sea  by  their 
fisheries,  you  had  all  that  matter  fully  opened  at  your  bar.  You 
surely  thought  those  acquisitions  of  value ;  for  they  seemed 
even  to  excite  your  envy  ;  and  yet  the  spirit  by  which  that  enter- 
prising employment  has  been  exe/dsed,  ouglit  rather,  in  my 
opinion,  to  have  raised  your  esteem  and  admiration. 

26.  "  And  pray,  sir,  what  in  the  world  is  equal  to  it  ?  Pass  by 
the  other  parts,  and  look  at  the  manner  in  which  the  people  of 
New- England  have  of  late  carried  on  the  whale  fishery.  While 
we  follow  them  among  the  tunibliug  mountains  of  ice,  and  be- 
hold them  penetrating  into  the  deepest  frozen  recesses  of  Hud-  - 
son's  bay  and  Davis's  straitn ;  whilst  we  are  looking  for  them 
beneath  the  arctic  circle,  we  hear  that  they  have  pierced  into 
the  opposite  region  of  polar  cold ;  that  they  are  at  the  Antipodes, 
and  engaged  under  the  frozen  serpent  of  the  south.  Falkland 
Island,  which  seemed  too  remote  and  romantic  an  object  for  the 
grasp  of  national  ambition,  is  but  a  stage  und  resting  place  in  the 
progress  of  their  victorious  industry. 

27.  "  Nor  is  the  equinoctial  heat  more  discoui  m?  ig  to  them 
than' the  accumulated  winter  of  both  pob-s.  Wt.  know  that, 
while  some  of  them  draw  the  line  and  strike  the  hurpoon  on  the 
coasts  of  Africa,  others  run  the  longitude  and  pursue  the  gigan- 
tic game  r.long  the  coast  of  Brazil.  No  se  'nit  what  is  vexed 
by  their  fisheries.  No  climate  that  is  not  witness  to  their  toilii. 
Neither  the  perseverance  of  Holland,  nor  the  activity  cf  France, 
nor  the  dexterous  ar.J  firm  i^agacity  of  English  enterprise,  ever 
carried  this  most  perilous  mode  of  hardy  industry  :o  the  extent 
to  which  it  has  l»een  pushed  by  tb  .*  recent  people ;'  a  people 
who  arc  still,  as  it  were,  but  in  the  gristle  und  not  yet  hardeiiod 
into  the  bone  of  mar.hood. 

28.  "When  I  contemplate  tliese  things  ;  w1^  T  know  that 
the  culoides  owe  little  or  nothing  to  any  care  of  ourp.  and  tliiU 
they  are  not  squeezed  into  this  happy  form  by  the  construints  of 
watchful  and  suspicious  government,  but  that,  tbrougli  a  wiMS 
and  salutary  neglect,  a  generous  nature  has  been  luflered  to  take 
Ita  own  wuv  to  perfection ;  when  I  reflect  upon  these  effects, 
whon  I  see  how  profitable  they  have  been  to  ui,  I  feel  all  the 
pride  gf  power  eiok}  and  all  preiumption  iu  the  wiidoin  of 


272 


APPENDIX. 


human  contrivances  melt  and  die  away  within  me.     My  ligoi' 
relents.     I  pardon  something  to  tlie  spirit  of  liberty." 

29.  Manufactures. — While  the  United  States  were  colo- 
nies, the  mother  country  endeavoured  to  prevent  the  inhabitants 
from  manufacturing  any  article  whatever,  even  for  their  own 
use.  The  erection  of  slitting-mills  was  prohibited,  and  hatters 
were  forbidden  to  take  any  apprentice  for  less  than  seven  yeare, 
or  to  employ  more  than  two  at  a  time.  In  addition  to  these  and 
other  legislative  enactments,  the  wages  of  labour  were  high, 
and,  neither  skill  nor  surplus  capital  existed  in  the  country.  But 
little  attention  was  of  course  given  to  manufactures,  and  the  in- 
habitants received  their  supplies  from  the  artizans  of  England. 

30.  Some  attempts  were  however  made,  a  feiv  years  previous 
to  the  commencement  of  the  revolutionary  war,  to  introduce 
manufactures.  Such  was  in  part  the  intention  of  the  non-im- 
portation agi'eements ;  and  some  of  the  colonial  legislatures,  to 
encourage  the  production  of  wool,  and  the  manufacture  of 
cloths,  exempted  sheep  from  taxation.  But,  at  no  time,  previ- 
ous to  the  adoption  of  the  constituMon,  did  manufacturer.s 
exist  in  the  country  in  sufficient  number  to  be  considered  a  class 
of  the  population. 

31.  And  indeed  it  was  not  until  the  imposition  of  the  embar- 
go, in  1807,  that  any  considerable  impulse  was  given  to  thi^ 
branch  of  industry.  Prevented  by  this  interruption  of  com- 
merce, from  exchanging  their  products  for  foreign  articles,  the 
inhabitants  then  attempted  to  fabricate  them  for  themselves. 
From  the  want  of  experience  and  skill,  many  of  the  first  at- 
tempts vver''  unsuccessful ;  but  in  a  very  short  time,  these  defi- 
ciencies w'jre  supplied,  and,  at  tlie  close  of  the  war,  the  amount 
of  the  products  of  manulactureg  was  astonishingly  greaU 
Forminc  an  estin^ate  from  tlie  amount  in  iSlO,  which  was  near 
170  millions,  it  could  not  have  been  lesfl,  for  1814,  than  two 
liundrcd  millions  of  dollars.  In  tills  amount,  Ixnvever,  are  in- 
cluded the  products  of  household  manufactures,  and  of  the 
mechanic  arts. 

32.  Peace,  by  affording  to  foreigners  an  opnortunlty  of  intro- 
ducing the  goods  which  iiad  accumulated  in  their  ware-houses, 
checked,  for  a  few  years,  the  impulse  wiiich  the  rcHtrictlve 
mtMUJures  and  the  war  had  given.  In  each  of  the  three  yearn 
follovving  1816,  the  value  of  articles  manufttclured  was  probably 
less  than  in  any  one  of  the  preceding  six  years.  From  the  year 
1818,  the  amount  has  gradually  increased,  and  in  1821  and 
1822,  It  was  probably  greated  than  it  had  ever  before  been.  It 
will  hereafter  contintie  to  Increiisc,  and  the  navigation  of  the 
country  will  be  entployed,  not  uu  much  m  bringing  homo  th^ 


APPENDIX. 


rSlT' 


273 


ly  ngoi* 

J'e  colo- 
(abitants 
jir  own 
hatters 
yeare, 
ese  and 
e  high, 
\ry.  But 
the  in- 
gland. 
revioua 
itroduce 
non-im- 
ures,  io 
;ture  ol" 
!,  previ- 
acturerei 
1  a  class 


embar- 
>  to  thid 
of  com- 
cles,  the 
nselves. 
first  at- 
5se  defi- 
amounl 
'  grea*. 
ms  near 
tian  tw(» 
are  in- 
of  the 

•f  intro 
houses, 
itrictive 
B  yearn 
robahly 
lie  year 
21  and 
en.  It 
of  the 
no  thu 


mstnufactares  of  other  nations,  as  in  carryUig  abroad  those  of 
the  United  States.  In  this  way,  domestic  manufactures  will 
repay  to  commerce  the  capitid  they  have  l?.tely  drawn  from  it. 

33.  The  states  in  which  ;he  greatest  attention  is  devoted  to 
this  branch  of  industry,  are  hhode-Islanr^,  Pennsylvania,  Mas- 
sachusetts, New-Hampshire,  and  Connecticut.  The  principal 
manufactures  are  those  of  cotton  and  of  woollen  cloths,  of  iron, 
and  of  leather.  In  1820,  the  number  of  inhabitants  engaged 
in  manufactures  was  349,506. 

34.  The  question,  whether  apiculture,  commerce,  or  manu- 
factures is  most  productive  of  national  wealth,  and  to  which 
the  government  ought,  in  preference,  to  extend  its  protection 
and  encouragement,  has  lately  been  warmly  discussed,  b}  the 
politicians  and  writers  on  policical  economy,  in  America,  and  in 
Europe.  Each  interest  had  its  advocates.  The  decision  of  the 
hnpartial  statesman  would  probably  be,  that  neither  shoi^ld  be 
encouraged  to  the  neglect  of  the  others ;  that  if  either  is,  in 
any  degree,  to  be  preferred,  it  is  that  which  is,  at  the  time,  the 
most  depressed  ;  or  that  which  supplier  most  of  the  means  of 
national  defence,  and  most  of  the  necessaries  and  conveniences 
of  life. 

35.  Debt,  Revenue,  and  Expi.nditurei,. — When,  in  1790^ 
the  public  debt  was  first  funded,  it  amouuied  to  about  75,000,000 
of  dollars.  In  1803,  by  the  purchase  of  Louisiana,  it  was  aug- 
mented to  about  86,500,000.  In  the  eight  years  which  followed, 
a  large  amount  was  paid,  leaving  due,  in  1812,  but  little  more 
than  45,000,000.  To  defray  the  expenses  of  the  war,  which 
was  declared  in  that  year,  more  thtui  80,000,000  of  new  debt 
was  contracted.  A  large  portion  has  since  been  paid,  and,  on  the 
iirst  ^ay  of  January,  1823,  the  amount  of  il  was  90,866,877 
dollars. 

36.  The  present  revenue  of  the  republic  is  derived  princi- 
pally from  commerce,  and  from  the  sale  of  public  lands.  In 
1H22,  there  accrued  from  the  former  source,  du»  sum  of 
20,500,775  dollare  ;  from  the  latter  source,  1,803,681 ;  and  from 
other  sources,  839,084.  The  amount,  however,  which  was  ac- 
tually received,  during  the  year,  was  but  20,232,427. 

37.  The  expenditures,  during  the  same  year,  were  as  follows  : 
C'lvil,  diplomatic,  and  miscellaneous,  1,967,996:  for  the  pay  und 
dupport  of  the  army,  the  construction  of  fortH,  the  supply  of 
arms,  the  payment  of  pensions,  and  the  various  expenses  of  the 
I u(iian  department,  5,635,188;  for  the  support  and  increase  of 
ihe  navy,  2,224,458  ;  for  the  payment  ol  the  int«reHt,  and  for 
the  redemption  of  liiat  pcniJoa  of  the  principal  of  the  debt  whifh 
ijocamu  due  witlilu  the  ytiur,  7,848,049  j  umuuuting  hi  thu  whulu 


274 


APPEJJPIX. 


*■-  >!    _.-,iH 


to  17,676,591,  and  leaving  an  excess  of  revenue  over  expendi- 
ture of  2,565,836  dollars. 

38.  Education. — ^In  the  kingdoms  of  Europe,  large  sunw 
have  been  appropriated,  by  the  government,  for  the  purposes  of 
education.  Nearly  all,  however,  has  been  expended  in  found- 
ing or  endowmg  universities.  To  these  the  sons  of  the  noble 
and  the  rich  could  alo  le  gain  <iccess ;  and  the  intention  and  ef- 
fect of  the  expenditure  has  always  been,  to  produce  erudite 
scholars  and  able  orators,  and  to  perpetuate  and  widen  the  sepa- 
ration between  the  higher  and  the  lower  classes  of  the  popula- 
tion. 

39.  The  people  of  the  United  States  have  had  :i  differeut  ob- 
ject in  view,  and  one  more  congenial  with  their  political  institu- 
tions. Desirous  that  none  should  be  ignorant,  their  first  and 
principal  care  has  been,  to  impart  the  advantages  of  instruction 
to  the  whole  mass  of  the  population.  With  this  view,  the  legis- 
'"^ures  of  many  of  the  states  have  ordained  that  schools,  for  the 
<; 'ucation  of  all  the  youth  in  reading,  wi'iting,  and  arithmetic, 
shall  be  kept,  and  supported  by  u  public  and  general  tax. 

40.  This  system  was  adopted  in  Massachusetts  as  early  as 
1647.  A  law  was  then  passed,  by  that  colony,  providing  that  a 
school  should  be  kept  in  every  township  having  fifly  housrhold- 
ors,  in  which  all  the  children,  who  might  resort  to  it,  sh  juld  he 
taught  to  read  and  write.  As  the  number  of  inhabitants  in- 
creased, the  townships  were  divided  into  small  districts,  and  a 
school  supported  in  each.  Thus,  the  means  of  education  were 
provided,  at  the  public  expense,  and  the  opportunity  of  acquire 
ing  it  placed  withm  the  power  of  all. 

^1.  Immediately  after  their  firHt  settlement,  the  same  system 
was  adopted  by  the  other  culoniest  of  New-England  ;  and  it  has, 
by  all  o!  them,  been  preserved  and  cherished  to  the  present  time. 
Connecticut,  having  a  large  tract  of  land  in  Ohio,  which  was 
fioVl  for  1.200,000  doll  ^"8,  r,  ,>roprlated  Uie  x^hole  sum  to  the 
Hupport  of  common  or  primary  school  The  sum  has  since 
been  augmented  to  1,700,000  donnix,  and  the  intere.st  is  annually 
distributed  to  the  several  school  district.s,  accuinling  to  the  num- 
ber of  scholars  taught  in  each.  No  district,  however,  is  enti- 
tled to  nay  aid  from  this  fund,  imlesw  it  h»«<,  in  the  preceding 
year,  expend eil,  for  the  same  puqwse,  a  cettaui  amount  derivQii 
from  its  own  resources.  '^ 

42.  The  effect  of  this  system  has  been,  to  render  the  grftai 
body  of  the  people  of  thew  stntcj*  the  we**  enfightened  in  tlw- 
worSd.  All  can  read  and  write,  «ii<!  rawK  can  (tne  be  fouud  not 
((uaiitied,  '»y  education,  to  transact  the  conMnon  concerns  of  Ul5p, 
To  educate  \m  children,  iw  the  tii-^i  (->bje<t,  (akA  the  chief  glor^r 


of  die  p 
ful.  In 
in  the  cs 
ward  to 
43.  1 
6cent  pi 
^e  of  li 
'  similar  t 
accumul 
ally  to  tb 
amounte 
smd  una{ 
bly  prod 
voted  to 
distribut 
ships,  on 
equal  to 
hui>dred 
several c 
chik'ren 
1823,  th 

44;  V 

which  is 
fund  is  c 
vantages 
state,  by 
tion  are 
The  sam 
states ;  ; 
remain  1 
spective 

45.  1 
importai 
constitui 
the  prop 
tional  be 
in  every 
of  schoc 
dense,  t1 
and  tlie 
there  pi 
union. 

46.  i 
mles  hai 
in  those 


APPENDIX. 


275 


of  die  parent ;  their  ignorance  is  to  him  and  to  them  disgrace- 
ful. In  these  schools,  the  human  mind  receives  its  first  impulse 
in  the  career  of  learning ;  an  impulse  which  carries  many  for- 
ward to  high  stations  of  honor  and  of  usefulness* 

43.  The  great  state  of  New- York,  distinguished  for  magni- 
ficent projects  of  internal  improvement,  and  for  liberal  patron- 
qige  of  literature  ano  the  arts,  has  lately  adopted  a  system  nearly 

'  similar  to  that  of  Connecticut.  From  various  sources,  it  has 
accumulated  a  fund,  the  income  of  which  is  to  be  applied  annu- 
ally to  the  support  of  common  schools.  This  fund,  in  1820, 
amounted  to  1,215,000  dollars.  Since  that  year,  all  the  unsold 
und  unappropriated  lands,  which,  when  disposed  of,  will  proba- 
bly produce  about  one  million  more,  have  been  permanently  de- 
voted to  the  same  object.  The  annual  interest  of  this  fund  is 
distributed,  according  to  population,  among  the  several  town- 
ships, on  their  raising,  for  the  s?.me  purpose,  an  additional  sum 
equal  to  that  which  they  receive  from  the  state.  In  1821,  three 
hundred  and  thirty-three  thousand  children  were  taught,  in  the 
several  district  schools ;  a  number  nearly  equal  to  that  of  all  the 
chilc'ren  in  the  state  between  five  and  fifteen  years  of  age.  In 
1828,  the  number  taught  was  400,000. 

44.  Virginia  has  also  a  literary  fund,  the  interest  of  a  part  of 
which  is  appropriated  for  the  support  of  common  schools.  This 
fund  is  of  recent  origin,  and  its  income  h  yet  small.  The  ad- 
vantages of  education  are,  however,  so  lughly  appreciated  in  that 
state,  by  its  enlightened  citizens,  that  most  of  die  rising  genera- 
tion are  instructed  in  private  schools,  or  by  domestic  teachers. 
The  same  remark  will  apply  to  must  of  the  middle  and  southern 
«itates  ;  yet,  in  these,  too  maiiy  of  the  cliildren  of  the  poor  will 
remain  in  ignorance  until  effectual  provision  is  made,  by  the  re- 
spective governments,  for  the  instruction  of  all. 

45.  The  national  government  has  not  been  unmindful  of  the 
importance  of  universal  education.  Before  the  adoption  of  the 
constitution,  it  f  cquired,  by  the  cession  of  the  states  claiming  it, 
the  property  of  nearly  all  the  unappropriated  lan<i  within  the  na- 
tional boundaries.  In  ohltring  tliis  latui  tur  sale,  it  has  reserved, 
in  every  township,  one  section,  comprising  640  acres,  for  the  use 
of  schools.  As  the  population  of  the  new  Htatos  becomes  more 
dense,  these  lands  will  constitute  a  valuable  and  productive  fund, 
and  tlie  systeiii  of  free  schools,  thuH  planted  in  the  western,  wilt 
there  produce  the  same  benefits  asi  in  (he  eastern  portion  of  the 
union. 

46.  Schools  of  a  hii^her  order,  to  ivhich  the  name  of  acade- 
mies has  been  applied,  ait;  numerous  m  ail  th*^  i^tates,  especially 
in  those  of  New  England.     Many  are  uicorporated,  and  somQ 


% 


•.■i:w?®^.- 


276 


APPENDIX. 


possess  considerable  funds.  That  at  Exeter,  in  Nevv-Hamp* 
shire,  holds  the  highest  rank ;  its  funds  amount  to  80,000  dol- 
lars ;  it  has  a  library  containing  700  volumes,  and  a  handsome 
philosophical  apparatus.  In  these  schools  are  taught  English 
grammar,  composition,  history,  geography,  mathematics,  the 
Latin  and  Greek  languages.  Many  young  men  resort  to  them 
to  acquire  an  education  superior  to  that  which  can  be  obtained  at 
the  primary  schools,  and  many  to  prepare  themselves  to  enter 
some  college  or  univereity.  They  are  principally  taught  by 
those,  who  have  just  received  a  degree  in  the  arts,  and  who  are 
unable,  from  the  want  of  property,  to  engage  immediately  in  the 
study  of  the  professions  which  tliey  intend  to  pursue. 

47.  Of  colleges  and  universities  there  is  also  a  large  number 
in  the  United  States.  The  oldest  and  first  in  rank  is  Harvard 
College,  at  Cambridge,  Massachusetts.  It  was  established  in 
163S,  only  eighteen  years  after  the  first  settlement  of  Pl}rmouth. 
It  had  then  a  fund  of  about  5,000  dollars,  nearly  two  thu'ds  of 
which  was  a  donation  from  the  Rev.  John  Harvard,  of  Charles- 
town.  The  first  degrees  were  conferred,  upon  nine  young- 
gentlemen,  in  1642.  It  has  since  received  many  and  large  ad- 
ditions to  its  funds,  principally  donations  from  individuals ;  and, 
from  the  exertions  of  its  learned  presioents  and  professors,  has, 
with  short  intermissions,  been  constantly  advancing  in  reputa- 
tion, and  increasing  in  usefulness.  The  library  contains  about 
twenty-five  thousand  volumes.  In  1824,  the  faculty  consisted 
of  a  president,  and  twenty  professors ;  the  number  of  students 
was  222,  and  of  the  resident  graduates  146. 

48.  Yale  College  was  founded  in  1700,  and  incorporated  in 
1701.  It  was  first  established  at  Saybrook ;  but,  in  1716,  was 
removed  to  New-Haven,  in  Connecticut.  Elihu  Yale,  a  mer- 
chant in  London,  having  made  to  it  a  donation  of  more  than  four 
thousand  dollars,  its  name  was,  in  1718,  changed  from  the  Col- 
legiate School,  to  Yale  College.  Afterwards  bishop  Berkf^Vy^ 
the  celebrated  metaphysician,  who  had  resided  two  years  in  Ame- 
rica, presented  to  it  a  collection  of  books,  consisting  of  nearly 
one  thousand  volumes  ;  and  a  farm  in  Newport,  tiie  annual  rent 
of  which,  on  a  long  lease,  is  two  hundred  and  forty  bushels  of 
wheat.  From  the  state,  and  from  other  sources.  It  has  received 
many  liberal  donations.  Its  libraries  contain  about  nine  thousand 
volumes.  In  1824,  the  faculty  consisted  of  a  president,  and 
ekvf.n  professors,  and  the  number  of  ile  studentti  was  849. 

49.  In  addition  to  these,  there  are,  in  the  union,  about  fifty 
colleges  and  universities  authorized  to  confer  degreea.  In  all  of 
these  are  taught,  the  English,  Latin,  and  Greek  languages,  rhe- 
toric, mathematics,  natm^al  philosophy,  logic,  chymistry,  astrono  • 


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a^,  bislbiyv  and  geogrftpfa]);.  {n^flome  oC  tii«ni  are  also  taught 
tke  Hebrew,  ori^tal,  -and  meileni  £iiiX^[i9(UL  koguages ;  anato- 
my, suvgeiy,  medi^oe^  botany,  polile  li|enture,  divinity,  ethics, 
natoral  andmunicipal law»  fifties,  8»d  eloeiiUo^. 

50.  Literature. — The  remark  has  od»a  been  made,  that  the 

United  States  have  pnKiiiced  no  eminent  soholai^  ;"^and  that  the 

national  character  has  not  been  ilhists^ted  by  JSterary  and  scieii- 

tliic  performances  of  distfaigttished  merit    This  reinirk  Is 

doubtieSB  jiibt. ,  OseNAf^red  with  those  of  ^e  old  world,  their 

writers  Irtive  not  eal^biied  t^^^ame  liibo«^ed  i^oUrii  of  shrle,  blot 

their  nen  df  scieMe  1^  sanmiersevendiue  M|d  exle^tof  iavMti- 

gatiitti.    TiM»ir  liiMoinans.  are  4iot  equal  t9  HiUneb  or  Bol«ftson ; 

tfaeii^  poets  tet  Mflton  or  Fejpe ;  Utalkt  cMiom^,  to  LavAl^^  or 

9avy,*  nor  th^  «l^(•|^ysiB^p]l  to  Jbj^^  os  Iteid. 

Al.  But  Ais  fiU^  implies  n(f  defiic^ency  ots^tal  vigor  in  the 

)pe<{ple,    TIm  fliUad  in  |£he>iMtioh  lipi  reipeived/ from  circum- 

.litaiiu^)  a  di&ii^  dii^wttooi    T^ose  who  are  indued  with  ei.- 

iN^brdinavv  talent,  wiiatdver  May,  jl^av«  4)eej|  wL  ovfidiMl  pro- 

pen^ytlest  have  biD«it€wed  fridtnl^  elosjat  to  lalKnr  in  &  leglshib' 

^  ^  hall,  or  the  cpbkM^  \  %  vindicate  the  cause  ot^jd^fiaiid  tlui  inr 

^^"lllest  of  thelpr  t&oiinlry  abtoad^^t^  diapftaite  justioe  from  the 

' '  oiuich,  or  lo  support  aQ#  defend,  itt  the  4>ar,  the  claims  and^lhe 

rlglit«ofth«|ir##ow«iti8en8.    ^  ; 

,      62,  To^pifelktttheiK  duties,  QortiunlytiQttf«honQraMeM^ 
<-  less-difficult "^ian  aoiy  ^iag which. the inere ishotair eanperform^ 
%  greater  Mrie^  of  Hdittitc,  and  greats  k»HUi!^liialfa0or»  have 
'  been  required  in  thtp  thim  in  «iqr  other  of^ntiy.   'Heie,  in  com- 
.  JiMAlvely  a  shoct  perki4*  the  fonndatiqmi  hay«!  been  laid,  and  the 
"^i^fslhiGtiifea  er^tedi  of  new  noUtitcid  mstitutipns.    Ilany 
^vemiiMMli^^)^^  been  QBtablisMq  ov«r  coiiimuidtier  diflering 
trom  eadiViiliip^  «nd  fr9m'1^oaiB;x>f  Europe ;  and  over  these  a 
paraniouM  |w»Mnment,^with  exl^nsive  and  importaqt  powetrs. 
.  For  each  of  these  eommunities,  %  new  system  of  law  has  been 
Inquired)  and  each  government  hM  a  separate  executive^  legisla- 
tive, and  Judicial  dvpartmentk     The  population,  of  no  country 
has  been  called  upon  to  supply  such  a  numbsr  of  legislators,  of 
judges,  and  of  lawyers ;  novv  it  may  be  added,  of  instructen  of 
youtlu    And,  while  their*  number  accounts  tw  the  comparative 
neglect  of  literature  and  the  fine  arts,  the  tslents  tb^  have  dis- 
played iiMJhilHljjlIji  vindicate  the  republic  firom  the  reproach  of 
iateilectual  hilkllrlorKjf. 

98.  But  not  in  theae  modes  alone  have  the  people  of  these 
states  proved,  that  in  original  powers  of  mind  they  sasf  lapeK 
ftn  equality,  at  least,  with  those  of  any  otiier  nation!  If«»ii|iias 
made  aiort  hiqrartaBt  discoveries  in  the  UMfiil  pflik    lllik|iilui| 


2?d 


AFPENI>!X. 


boasts  of  her  Arkwiight,  who  invented  the  spinninj^  machine; 
of  her  Worcester,  Ne>w  omen,  and  Watt,  by  whose  ingenuity 
and  labors  thv.  powers  of  steam  were  substkuted  for  the  uncer- 
tain aid  of  wind  and  water  in  moving  the  machinery  of  manu- 
factories.  * 

'64.  America  may  boast  of  her  Godfrey,  whose  quadrant  has 
been  almost  as  serviceable,  as  the  compass,  to  navigation ;  of  her 
Franklin,  who  iiaa  made  our  dwellings  comfortable  within,  and 
'l^tected  them  from  the, lightning  of  heaven ;  of  her  WMtttey, 
whose  cotton  gin  has  added  to  the  annual  product  of  that  article 
at  l^ast  one  hundred  millions  of  pounds ;  of  her  VHiittemore,  the 
inventor  of  the  wonderful  machine  for  making  cards;  of  her 
Peiicins,  the  inventor  of  tiie  nail  machine ;  and  of  her  Fulton, 
whdhas  rendered  the  power  of  steam  subserviejit  to  the  pur- 
poses of  navigation. 

55.  But  the  United  States  have  produced%ildiorB  who  would 
do  honor  even  to  any  other  nation.  The^tyle  of  Franklin  is 
perspicuous  and  pofe ;  and  few  men  of  any  age  or  country  have 
cohti^buteii  muve  by  their  writings,  to  enlighten  and  tu  benefit 
mankind.  'J^  histories  of  Mamhall,  Ralhsay,  Belknap,  Wll* 
liams,  and  the  .In^aals  of  Holmes,  are  works  of  sterling  merit, 
interctii  hig,  vmi  iyvs^ructive.  Among  theological  writers,  Ed- 
wards, Hopkins,  Divif^t,  Latltrop,  Davies,  Kollockj  a&id  Buck- 
minster,  are  (t<2of!r  redly  eminent.  And  as  a  ii6Velisi,'Browri  has 
few  equals.      *     *»  *#,  '  .       C 

56.  Many  of  tjie  ^^olitical  writers  of  this  coufttiy  have'd^w** 
played  great  vigor  of  thought,  and  force  of  expression.  Tho. 
pamphlets  and  state  pap^r^  to  which  the  revolutionary  strug||j^ 
gave, existence.;  the  nbmbens  of  the  "Federalist;  the officia^lit- 
t«^  of  Mr.  Jefffirson,  as  secretary  of  state,  and  of  th#  Ameri- 
can wini^t^rs  at  Ghent,  not  only  tllsplay  intellectutil  powers,  but 
possess  literary  merit,  of  the  highest  oi\ler.  Some  of  the  best 
writers  of  this  republic  have  not  been  the  authoifa  of  books. 

57.  Tojtbe  fine  arts  still  le9e  attention  has  been  paid  thar.  to 
literature  f  but  tlm  ni^lect  is'  to  be  attributed  rtitber  to  the  <lofi- 
ciency  of  patronage  than  to  the  want  €>f  capacity  to  excel.  Ben- 
jamin West,  a  native  of  Penn8ylvania>  presided  for  many  years 
over  the  Roy.-:!  Society,  comprising  the  n)ost  eminent  painters 
of  Great  Britain*  In  portrait-painting,  Copley  and  Stuart  havo 
acquired  a  high  roputaldon ;  and  in  historical  painting,  Trumbull 
and  Alston  excel.  T\»  United  States  claim  only  the  honor  of 
their  birth ;  England  and  Italy  that  of  patronizing  and  instructing 
them. 

1^  RfiLiQioN* — ^;?be  comequence!)  resulting  from  t!ie  omoy" 
AMft  of  rellgioas  Uboity  have  beim  hi    ly  favoi'obio.     Free 


discus&ion 

its  dreadfi 

and.fanta£ 

feeUngs  it 

tants  live ' 

employ,  h 

of  their  ai 

Ai.  59.. In 

gationalisi 

middleste 

thodists. 

found  in 

catholics  i 

sects  has 

culiar  doc 

n^nistry. 

the  laws, 

i;^60.  Ci 

that  the  . 

period  thi 

its  youth, 

habitants 

world,  sp 

extent  of 

those  few 

in  their  ix 

61.  Bi 

It  has  grc 

ijhadc  the 

figured  ai 

the  histoi 

an  eneri;*; 

spirit  of 

proud  sei 

preferen< 

has  dis|>€ 

much   d< 

habits  of 

bigoted  a 

they  are 

ing  in  bo 

62.  1 

id  soclel 

maUty,  h 


,.-i.t',iii 


AP?ENBIX. 


ST© 


Uiscussiou  has  enlightened  the  ignorant,  disarmed  superstition  of 
its  dreadUd  powers,  and  consigned  to  oblivion  many  erroneous 
and  fantastic  creeds.  Religious  oppression,  and  the  vindictive 
feelings  it  arouses,  are  hardly  known.  Catholics  and  Protes- 
tants live  together  in  harmony;  and  protestants  who  disagree, 
employ,  in  defending  their  own,  doctrines,  and  in  assailing  those 
of  their  antagonists,  ^e  weapons  only  of  reason  and  eloquence. 
59..  In  the  New-England  ^tes,  the  ind  <^pndents  or  congre- 
gationalists  conftitute  the  most  numerou'  )mination  ;  in  the 
middle  states,  the  presbyterians  ;  and  i  'hern,  the  me- 

thodists.     Baptists,  episcopalians,   and  -atholics,  are 

found  in  all  the  states;  but  in  Maryl.  i^ouisiana,  the 

catholics  are  more  numerous  than  elsevMiere.  Each  of  these 
sects  has  one  or  mpre  seminaries  of  learning,  in  which  its  pe- 
culiar doctrines  are  taught,  and  young  men  are  educated  for  the 
ii^nistry.  Many  other  sects  exist,  but  reason^  less  tolerant  than 
the  laws,  is  gradually  diminishing  the  numbers 

-60.  Charactkr  and  Manners.-^ — Foreigners  have  asserted 
that  the  Americans  possess  no  national  oharacter.  If  at  any 
period  this  assertion  has  been  true,  it  was  then  no  reproach.  In 
its  youth,  a  nation  can  have  no  established  characteiw  The  in- 
habitants of  this  republic,  coming  from  every  quarter  of  the 
world,  speaking  many  diflfd^ent  languages,  dispersed  over  a  vast 
dxtent  of  territory,  could  not  immediately  assimilate  and  exhibit 
those  few  prominent  traits,  which  nations  as  well  ad  individuals, 
in  their  mattfrity,  display.  .V  «:v.i>»:^w  ,  . 

61.  But  the  germ  of  a  national,  character  has  aWays  existed. 
It  has  grown  with  our  growth,  and  is  gradually  throwing  into  the 
tihadc  those  unfavourable  and  discordant  traits,  which  have  dis- 
figured and  partly  concealed  it  from  view.  Who,  that^  has  read 
the  histojy  of  these  states,  has  not  perceived,  in  the  itihabikmts, 
an  energy  of  purpose  capable  of  surmounting  aU  obstacles ;  a 
spirit  of  enterprise,  that  leaves  nothing  useful  unattcmpted ;  a 
proud  sense  of  personal  dignity  and  independence;  a  decided 
oreference  of  utility  before  show  ;  and  a  love  ol'  knowledge  that 
lias  dis|>eiled  ignorance  from  the  land  1  They  may  have  been  too 
much  devoted  to  the  pursuit  of  gain;  too  much  addicted  to 
habits  of  intemperance ;  too  much  inflated  with  national  vanity ; 
bigoted  and  supuratitioifs :  but  these  traits  are  now  less  appas'cni; 
they  are  constantly  melting  away,  and  tliose  more  noble  appeal^ 
ing  in  bolder  relief.  « 

62.  They  tvhose  wealth  or  talents  plaee  them  in  the  first  rank 
in  society,  are,  in  their  manners,  free  from  awkwardneaa,  tbiv 
mality,  haughtiness,  and  ostentation ;  bnt  they  do  n|t  diiplay  the 
dltgrnice  or  refiiMineBt  of  tho  lame  elan  In  £orope.  Tlieniwt 


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AfPHNDIX. 


281 


prise  of  man ;  ^nd,  a  small  part  only  being  required  bj  the 
government,  nearly  the  whole  annual  income  wUl  be  added  to  the 
j^neral  capital,  augmeirting  it  in  a  compound  ratio. 
;  67.  That  these  iqplendid  antidpallons  are  iu)t  ^  suggestions 
of  national  vanity,  the  history  of  the  past  sufficiently  proves. 
•  Yet  thefar  fulfilment  depends,  in  a  great  degree,  upon  oie  future 
conduct  of  the  people  Uiemselve^;  upon  tneir  adherence  to  the 
principles  of  their  fathUrs-;  upon  the  preservation  of  free  politicai 
inltitutions,  ofindustiAeus,  frugal,  aiu)  moral  habits;  m, above 
aU,  upon  the^llilvei'sftl  diffusion  of  knowledfle. 

68.  Th|i  truth  should  sinlc  deep  Into  the  heirtsof  the  old  and 
the  young.'  The  citizens  of  this  republic  should,  neirer  foiget 
tl\e  awful  responsibilities  resting  upon  them.  They  edlMtitute 
the  oldest  nation  on  this  western  hemisphere,  Jhe  fii^  en  the  list 
of  exlstbig  republier.  TJiey  stand  forward,  thiR  object  of  hitrad 
to  some,  of  admiration  to  many,  of  wonder  to  all ;,  and  an  im- 
pressive eiample  to  the  people  of  every  countnr.  To  them  is 
committed  an  expertiiMnt,  miccessfhl  hitherto,  the  final  result  of 
wlUeh  mustliave  a  powfrful  Influence  upon  the  destiny  of  man- 
khid ;  if  favorable  and  nappy,  the  whole  civilized  won^^wUl  be 
free  ;  if  adverse,  despotism  anddarluess  wUl  again  dvenhidow 
it  May  their  ever  be  iilslble  of  thtf  vast  Importance  pf  tfaiefr 
example.    May  they  netr^r  betray  their  sa<^rea  trust. 


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